EPA Issues Final Rule Regarding Power Plant Emissions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced four final regulations that are meant to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants.

Specifically, the announcement, which marks the first time the federal government has restricted carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal-fired power plants, contained:

• A final rule that would require existing coal-fired plants and new natural gas-fired facilities to cut or capture 90 percent of their emissions by 2032. That requirement means all existing coal plants would need to install carbon capture and storage by 2032 if they plan to remain operating past 2039. Future natural gas plants that run frequently will have to do the same. (The rule exempts existing natural gas plants.)
• A final rule regarding Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants that tightens emissions standards for toxic metals by 67 percent and finalizes a 70 percent reduction in the emissions standard for mercury from existing lignite-fired sources.
• A final rule that requires plants to reduce pollutants discharged through wastewater by more than 660 million pounds per year.
• A final rule that will require coal ash to be managed in storage ponds.

Click here to find details about each regulation.

As The Hill noted, alongside the EPA rules, the U.S. Department of Energy said it will create fast-track for environmental reviews for upgrading power lines and set a two-year timeline to speed approvals for new power lines. While those improvements are welcome, the National Association of Manufacturers argued the EPA’s regulations would not be feasible without additional permitting reforms.