The Biden administration took serious steps on Thursday to combat planet-warming emissions and pollution from power plants, aiming to make these crucial energy sources more environmentally friendly.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the finalization of a comprehensive set of rules designed to reduce pollution from power plants.
One key regulation focuses on greenhouse gas emissions from both existing coal plants and new gas plants. Under this rule, these plants will be required to install technology capable of capturing 90 percent of their carbon emissions.
Climate Emissions and Pollution from Power Plants (Credits: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
In addition to targeting greenhouse gases, the EPA also revealed rules aimed at curbing the release of toxic substances, such as mercury, from coal plants into the air.
The agency introduced measures to limit pollution discharges into wastewater from these facilities. Another rule issued by the EPA tightens restrictions on the disposal of toxic coal waste, commonly known as coal ash, to prevent leaks that could contaminate groundwater.
Alongside these EPA regulations, the Energy Department announced plans to expedite environmental reviews for upgrading power lines. This initiative includes a fast-track process aimed at streamlining approvals for new power lines, with a target timeline of two years.
New EPA rules are a coal power plant pollution crackdown (Credits: USA Today)
EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing climate change and protecting communities from pollution.
He highlighted the importance of these rules in both reducing pollution and ensuring that power companies can continue to provide reliable electricity to all Americans.
