What happened: The EPA said it’s scrapping a requirement for existing coal and new natural gas plants to cut or sequester 90% of their carbon emissions by 2032 (using tech like carbon capture). The 2024 rule recently sparked criticism from electric co-ops facing mounting power demand.
Plus: The agency is also looking to strip its own power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from generators, a shift that would affect future administrations.
The impacts: The EPA said repealing the Biden-era rule would save the energy industry more than $300B (which would trickle down to utility customers). But the rule was predicted to prevent 1.2K premature deaths in 2035 alone, and rack up $120B in health benefits through 2047.
What’s next: The move is certain to face legal challenges—Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council said they’re planning to take the Trump administration to court.
Tue, Sep 15
Molly Glick
Energy Central Team
NEWS: The EPA is reversing Biden-era limits on coal and gas plant emissions.
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