WASHINGTON – In a major boost to the fight against the climate crisis, the Biden Environmental Protection Agency today proposed new rules to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. electricity sector by 2040, targeting dirty coal and natural gas-fired power plants.
If finalized as proposed, the rule would set emissions limits so strict that it will likely require coal and gas power plants, as well as future gas-fired operations, to install carbon capture and storage technology on smokestacks. Or they could comply by switching to cleaner fuel sources, such as solar, wind or hydrogen, which do not release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
The new EPA rule is the latest climate policy proposal from the Biden administration. The U.S. and the rest of the world are grappling with the devastating effects of the climate crisis, with EPA data showing the electric power sector accounts for 25 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.
The following is a statement from EWG President and Co-founder Ken Cook:
This rule represents a major step forward in the fight against the climate crisis and will have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector. By targeting both coal- and gas-fired power plants, the Biden rule demonstrates the most ambitious commitment to date in eliminating dangerous air pollution from power plants, which has been a major contributor to global warming for decades.
While this ambitious rule to tackle the power sector's greenhouse gas emissions is welcome, EWG continues to analyze provisions in the proposed regulation that may needlessly prolong the life of dirty coal and gas power plants, including creating separate standards for some facilities.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
