WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a suite of final rules aimed at reducing pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants to protect communities and improve public health. These rules, developed under various authorities including the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to address climate change and environmental justice.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan expressed the agency's dedication, stating, "Today, EPA is proud to make good on the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision to tackle climate change and to protect all communities from pollution in our air, water, and in our neighborhoods."
President Biden’s National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the impact of the administration's efforts, mentioning, “This year, the United States is projected to build more new electric generation capacity than we have in two decades – and 96 percent of that will be clean.”
The rules include measures such as strengthening carbon pollution standards for new gas and existing coal power plants, updating the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants, reducing water pollution from power plants, and managing coal ash to prevent contamination.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, commended the new rules, emphasizing, “The new rules to clean up air pollution from power plants are good news for everyone, especially if there is a power plant near where you work, live or study.”
Similarly, BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh noted the importance of collaboration in the transition, stating, “These rules call on utilities and states to be full partners in making this transition fair for energy workers and communities.”
The EPA's final rules are designed to protect public health, provide regulatory certainty for the industry, and ensure the power sector can continue to deliver reliable electricity while reducing pollution. The agency conducted rigorous analyses showing that the standards will result in significant net benefits for health and the environment.
The Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive approach to reducing pollution from power plants reflects a commitment to environmental protection, public health, and sustainable energy practices.
