The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Thursday that it would postpone the implementation of regulations intended to reduce emissions from current natural gas power plants, which produce dangerous pollutants and contribute to the issue of climate change.

According to the agency, they remain on schedule to establish regulations for coal-powered and newly constructed gas-powered plants that are not yet operational. This is a vital action in reducing greenhouse gases from the power industry, which is the second leading cause of climate change in the country.

However, in a departure from previous strategies, the organization stated that it will assess regulations for current gas facilities and broaden the guidelines to incorporate additional harmful substances. This shift was prompted by objections from environmental advocacy groups, citing the previous plan’s allowance of excessive levels of toxic air pollution that disproportionately affects marginalized communities residing near power plants, refineries, and other industrial areas.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan stated that the agency is adopting a comprehensive strategy to regulate all natural gas-fired turbines and target a wider range of pollutants. This is part of their efforts to reduce climate pollution from both existing coal and new gas-fired power plants, with final standards expected to be implemented this spring.

Regan stated that the “stronger, more durable approach” will result in greater decreases in emissions compared to the current plan. This approach will also provide increased protections for vulnerable communities living near power plants and other industrial locations, where toxic air pollution is a major issue.

However, the proposal faced criticism from some environmentalists who believe that it may cause regulations for current gas plants to be delayed until after the presidential election in November.

Frank Sturges, a legal representative for the environmental organization Clean Air Task Force, expressed disappointment at the EPA’s delay in implementing carbon pollution regulations for gas plants, which contribute a large amount of emissions within the power industry.

According to him, the release of greenhouse gases from power plants has been unregulated for an extended period and we cannot afford to wait any longer.

Rhode Island Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse expressed confusion over the EPA’s decision, stating that it is “difficult to understand.” He also added that creating a rule that only affects dying coal industries and future gas power plants will not effectively address climate safety.

However, certain conservationists praised the ruling, stating that the revised proposal would ultimately yield superior outcomes.

Charles Harper from Evergreen Action stated that the battle for a sustainable energy industry has been something we have been aware of for a while now. He believes that the Environmental Protection Agency’s top priority should be promptly implementing rigorous regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from both new natural gas plants and existing coal plants.

Harper expressed satisfaction with the EPA’s dedication to completing the task through the implementation of a comprehensive rule that applies to all gas plants operating in the United States.

Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice, stated that addressing the issue of polluting coal plants is a crucial step for the president and EPA in reducing climate pollution. She emphasized the need to be proactive in addressing the potential pollution problem arising from the development of new fossil gas plants.

In May 2023, the EPA proposed a rule to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from current and future coal and gas-fired power plants. The power industry has not opened any new coal plants in over ten years, and many coal-fired plants have shut down due to cheaper natural gas. The Biden administration has pledged to achieve a power sector free of carbon pollution by 2035.

The new EPA proposal may require power plants to use a technology, which has not been widely implemented in the United States, to capture smokestack emissions.

The proposed regulation, if implemented, would be a first for the federal government as it would limit carbon dioxide emissions from current power plants. These plants are responsible for approximately 25% of greenhouse gas pollution in the United States, second only to the transportation sector. The regulation would also apply to future power plants and could potentially prevent up to 617 million metric tons of carbon dioxide up until 2042. This is equivalent to the annual emissions of 137 million passenger vehicles, according to the EPA.

The EPA announced that by 2038, the majority of coal and frequently utilized gas power plants must significantly decrease or capture their carbon dioxide emissions. Any plants unable to comply with the regulations will be required to shut down.

The EPA plan is anticipated to be finalized in the coming months and is expected to face opposition from industry organizations and states with Republican majorities. These groups have criticized the Democratic administration for exceeding their authority with environmental regulations and caution against potential problems with the electric grid. The power plant rule is among several EPA regulations that aim to restrict emissions and regulate wastewater treatment from power plants.

The National Mining Association expressed concern about the excessive government regulations aimed at prematurely shutting down the coal industry when the EPA released their proposal last year.

Regan has refuted claims that the power plant regulation intends to close down the coal industry, however he admitted last year that there will likely be some coal plants closing.

In 2023, coal was responsible for approximately 16% of U.S. electricity, a decrease from its 2010 contribution of 45%, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. About 43% of U.S. electricity was generated by natural gas, while the rest was produced by nuclear energy and renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower.

Peggy Shepard, one of the founders and the executive director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, an organization based in New York, expressed satisfaction that the Environmental Protection Agency’s rulemaking process will take into account the concerns of marginalized communities.

She stated that the power industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions and pollution. By taking a pause and thoroughly considering the development of regulations for already existing gas plants, we have the chance to ensure they are done correctly in order to safeguard the health of those most affected by pollution and to protect the environment.

Bloomberg News was the first to report on the EPA’s updated proposal.

Source: wral.com