The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday issued a new rule that requires coal-fired power plants to capture smokestack emissions or closed down. These rules are the Biden administration’s most stringent yet in its attempt to contain emissions output from the power industry, which is the second-larger contribute to climate change.
The rule was part of four requirements from the agency; the others include mandates to decrease toxic wastewater pollutants from coal-fired plants and safely control coal ash in unlined storage ponds. Michael Regan, EPA administration, said the new rules will decrease pollution and better public health while also support America’s long-term supply of electricity needs.
“One of the biggest environmental challenges facing our nation is man-made pollution that damages our air, our water and our land,” said Regan. “Not only is this pollution a major threat to public health — it’s pushing our planet to the brink.’’
Republican-leaning states and industry groups are expected to challenge the new rules, as they have regularly said the Biden administration overreaches on environmental regulations. This is the first time the federal government has limited CO2 emissions from existing coal-fired power plants.
