Posted 2/29/2024, 11:16:00 PM
EPA Scales Back Sweeping Climate Rules for Power Plants, Pursues Narrower Coal Plant Crackdown
- EPA unveils new approach to regulating fossil fuel power plant emissions, will move forward with parts targeting coal plants but delay regulations for existing natural gas plants until after 2024 election
- Original proposal from May 2023 aimed to reduce carbon emissions by 617 million metric tons through 2042, relying heavily on costly carbon capture technology
- New plan exempts existing natural gas plants which provide 40% of nation's electricity; only covers future natural gas plants and coal plants
- Business groups, energy associations and lawmakers warned original proposal would have severe consequences for Americans by cracking down on largest source of electricity
- Environmental groups like Sierra Club support Biden administration's new strategy targeting multiple pollutants from gas plants over time