Responding To Stakeholder Concerns, EPA Scales Back Power Plant Emissions Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledged last week that it plans to reduce the scope of its still-to-be finalized regulation regarding emissions from the nation’s power plants.

Specifically, the EPA said that, when released, the rule will cover only two categories of power plants: existing coal plants and new gas plants. Originally, the EPA had called for curbing emissions from those two categories of plants, along with existing gas plants. In a statement, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the “stronger, more durable approach will achieve greater emissions reductions.”

The Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) and other trade groups had argued that, as originally written, the rule would increase consumer and business energy prices.

On social media, Administrator Regan acknowledged that stakeholder feedback was one reason the EPA shifted course. “Stakeholders spoke up, and EPA listened. Our new approach to cover existing natural gas power plants will better protect communities from pollution while reducing more emissions overall,” Administrator Regan said. “Bottom line, this is better for the climate and better for communities.”

While this news is welcome, the EPA did indicate that it will launch a separate rulemaking process for existing gas plants. MSCI and its allies in the business community will certainly monitor that proposal and weigh in as needed.