EPA Proposes Sweeping Regulations To Drastically Cut Carbon Emissions From Power Plants

The EPA proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, the first such federal limits on existing plants.
The rules would require coal and gas plants to reduce emissions by 90% through technologies like carbon capture or by transitioning to renewable energy.
The regulations are projected to cut 617 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and yield $85 billion in health benefits but face opposition and legal challenges.
The rules reflect the Biden administration's goal of decarbonizing the power sector by 2035 to address climate change.
The tiered rules give plants lead time to comply but could force closures or higher consumer costs, raising concerns about energy reliability and affordability.