The repeal of Environmental Protection Agency rules that limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas would remove more than $300 billion in costs for the industry and help “unleash” American energy, reports The Associated Press. The rule change represents a fundamental shift from efforts by Democratic Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama to address climate change and clean up industrial pollution.
Environmental groups decried the change, saying it would come at a cost to Americans’ health and further degrade the environment. EPA officials said the change would allow utilities to make the best decisions for their ratepayers rather than be forced to close aging or inefficient plants.
The rule is expected to face immediate legal challenges. In a related action, the EPA proposed a separate rule, expected to be made final next year, that could prevent future administrations from regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The Associated Press has the full story.
