US EPA may repeal emissions standards for power plants
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may officially repeal carbon emissions standards for coal- and gas-fired power plants. The Guardian reports, citing Bloomberg News and anonymous sources familiar with the matter, that a possible announcement could be made as early as September 14 in Houston, Texas, on the sidelines of a meeting of G20 energy ministers.
Possible repeal of standards
According to Bloomberg, Donald Trump’s administration may finalize the repeal of some rules that were proposed for repeal last year. These standards, adopted during Joe Biden’s presidency, concerned limits on emissions of carbon dioxide, mercury and other air pollutants from power plants.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, as reported by The New York Times, may announce the move in Houston. The EPA did not comment on reporters’ request made outside working hours.
Bloomberg also reported that agency officials plan to propose a separate rule to repeal the federal finding that greenhouse gas emissions specifically from power plants pose a threat.
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Reaction from environmental groups
Environmental organizations condemned the expected decision. Sierra Club Chief Program Officer Holly Bender said the organization would oppose the proposal in the courts, Congress and communities across the country.
As The Guardian notes, the repeal of the standards will almost certainly be challenged in court. If it remains in effect, it could narrow the EPA’s ability under future administrations to regulate climate emissions.
The Biden administration’s rules for power plants, according to figures cited by the publication, could have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons by 2047. The electricity generation sector accounts for nearly one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
