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New Rules on Coal Power Plants to Target Pollution, Says EPA Administrator Michael Regan

Published: 25 April 2024 at 11:50

Politics

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued new rules requiring coal-fired power plants to capture emissions or shut down, as part of President Joe Biden's goal to eliminate carbon pollution from the electricity sector by 2035 and economy-wide by 2050. The rules aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and toxic wastewater pollutants, while promoting a transition to a clean energy economy. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the importance of these rules in protecting communities, improving public health, and ensuring a reliable electricity supply for the future.

DEEP DIVE


President Biden extends deadline for automakers to increase EV sales


President Biden has granted automakers more time to increase electric vehicle (EV) sales following pressure from the industry and labor unions. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued strict limits on tailpipe pollution, with the new rules aiming to boost EVs to up to 56% of new car sales by 2032. The final rule is more lenient than a previous draft, allowing for a mix of EVs, hybrids, and cleaner gas cars to meet pollution caps. The compromise reflects Biden's efforts to address the climate crisis with industry support, while concerns remain about job losses in the shift to EV manufacturing.

Biden Administration Sets New Air Quality Standard to Prevent Illnesses Linked to Pollutants


The Biden administration has announced a new air quality standard aimed at preventing illnesses caused by fine particulate matter in the air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that particulate matter, often emitted from sources such as factories, power plants, vehicles, and wildfires, is linked to serious and sometimes fatal illnesses, including heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic kidney disease. The EPA's new standard sets an annual threshold of 9 micrograms per cubic meter, which is closer to the target of 8 micrograms per cubic meter advocated by health organizations.

EPA Issues Rule to Reduce Toxic Emissions at Chemical Plants


The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a rule that will require over 200 chemical plants in the U.S. to decrease toxic emissions that pose health risks to nearby communities, particularly targeting the largest chloroprene emissions source, the Denka Performance Elastomer Plant in Reserve, Louisiana.

EPA Finalizes Stricter Standard for Fine Particle Pollution


The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a stricter standard for fine particle pollution, or soot, for the first time in twelve years. The updated National Ambient Air Quality Standards tighten limits on fine particle pollution from 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9 micrograms per cubic meter on an annual basis. The EPA estimates that this change will avoid 4,500 premature deaths, 800,000 cases of asthma symptoms, and 290,000 lost work days in 2032. The new standard is seen as a victory for health advocates and will lead to cleaner air and healthier lives, particularly for communities of color and vulnerable populations.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (Wikipedia)


The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent agency of the United States government tasked with environmental protection matters. President Richard Nixon proposed the establishment of EPA on July 9, 1970; it began operation on December 2, 1970, after Nixon signed an executive order. The order establishing the EPA was ratified by committee hearings in the House and Senate.The agency is led by its administrator, who is appointed by the president and approved by the Senate. The current administrator is Michael S. Regan. The EPA is not a Cabinet department, but the administrator is normally given cabinet rank. The EPA has its headquarters in Washington, D.C.. There are regional offices for each of the agency's ten regions, as well as 27 laboratories around the country.The agency conducts environmental assessment, research, and education. It has the responsibility of maintaining and enforcing national standards under a variety of environmental laws, in consultation with state, tribal, and local governments. EPA enforcement powers include fines, sanctions, and other measures.It delegates some permitting, monitoring, and enforcement responsibility to U.S. states and the federally recognized tribes. The agency also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts.The agency's budgeted employee level in 2023 is 16,204.1 full-time equivalent (FTE). More than half of EPA's employees are engineers, scientists, and environmental protection specialists; other employees include legal, public affairs, financial, and information technologists.

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (Wikipedia)


The administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is the head of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is thus responsible for enforcing the nation's Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, as well as numerous other environmental statutes. The administrator is nominated by the president of the United States and must be confirmed by a vote of the Senate.On March 10, 2021, Michael S. Regan was confirmed by a vote 66 to 34 as the administrator of the EPA, the first Black man to serve in this role.

EPA Awards $20 Billion in Grants for Clean Energy Projects


The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $20 billion in grants to eight community development banks and nonprofit organizations to fund projects combating climate change in disadvantaged communities, including residential heat pumps, electric vehicle charging stations, and community cooling centers. These grants are part of the green bank created in the Biden administration's climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022. The funds aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with goals of cutting climate and air pollution while mobilizing capital in communities in need.

EPA Defends $20 Billion Green Bank Program for Climate Solutions


The head of the Environmental Protection Agency defended the $20 billion federal green bank program, aiming to fund projects for low-carbon solutions combating climate change, especially in disadvantaged communities. The program faces criticism from Republicans in Congress for accountability concerns. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized transparency and a nationwide grant competition to finance projects like energy-efficient home improvements and electric vehicle charging stations. The agency consulted with financial experts to ensure the effective use of the funds, expecting to leverage private capital for climate projects.

Michael S. Regan (Wikipedia)


Michael Stanley Regan (born August 6, 1976) is an American environmental regulator. He has been serving as the 16th administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency since March 11, 2021. He is the first African American man to serve in the role. Regan has formerly served as the secretary of North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality and air quality specialist in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). His elevation to that role was widely praised by environmental groups because of his track record for addressing environmental racism and supporting policy to address climate change.

EPA Allows Sale of Higher Ethanol Blend Amid Global Conflicts


The Environmental Protection Agency has granted a waiver for the sale of gasoline with a higher blend of 15% ethanol nationwide for the third consecutive summer, citing global fuel supply pressure due to conflicts like Russia's war in Ukraine and Middle East unrest. The decision is praised by biofuels industry and Midwest politicians for aiding farmers, lowering pump prices, and reducing emissions. Critics suggest increased ethanol production could lead to elevated carbon releases from intensified corn farming. Iowa leads US ethanol production, followed by states like Nebraska, Illinois, and Minnesota.

EPA Announces Comprehensive Ban on Asbestos in the United States


The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned asbestos, a carcinogen still used in products like chlorine bleach and brake pads, under a new rule that expands regulations on toxic chemicals. The ban targets chrysotile asbestos, currently used in brake linings and gaskets, as well as in the manufacturing of chlorine bleach and caustic soda. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the significance of the ban in protecting public health and highlighted the link between asbestos exposure and diseases like lung cancer and mesothelioma. The ban aligns with President Joe Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative.

EPA Implements Nationwide Limit on PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water


The Environmental Protection Agency has imposed the first nationwide limit on PFAS chemicals in drinking water, impacting 100 million people and marking a significant action on public health. The Biden administration has also proposed rules to remove harmful lead pipes, aiming to enhance water safety despite concerns from utilities about the costs involved. PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' are persistent substances used for various applications and are challenging to break down, leading to widespread contamination in the environment.

White House celebrates response to toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio


The White House is highlighting its response to the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, one year after the incident. President Biden is preparing to visit the site for the first time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) led the efforts to clear the site, remove waste, and implement new rail safety measures. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized that safety is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Transportation. EPA Administrator Michael Regan expressed gratitude for the leadership of President Biden in mobilizing a whole-of-government response to support the community and hold Norfolk Southern accountable.

Environmental protection (Wikipedia)


Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, groups and governments. Its objectives are to conserve natural resources and the existing natural environment and, where it is possible, to repair damage and reverse trends.Due to the pressures of overconsumption, population growth and technology, the biophysical environment is being degraded, sometimes permanently. This has been recognized, and governments have begun placing restraints on activities that cause environmental degradation. Since the 1960s, environmental movements have created more awareness of the multiple environmental problems. There is disagreement on the extent of the environmental impact of human activity, so protection measures are occasionally debated.

EPA Sets National Drinking Water Standards for Forever Chemicals


The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized national drinking water standards for forever chemicals, also known as PFAS, which have been linked to various health issues like cancer and high cholesterol. PFAS can persist in the environment for centuries. The new federal rule is estimated to reduce PFAS exposure for about 100 million people, with water systems required to notify customers of PFAS detection starting in 2027 and report violations by 2029. Americans are urged to contact their municipal water systems to inquire about PFAS testing until the new regulations are fully implemented.

Environmental Protection Agency (Ghana) (Wikipedia)


The Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA Ghana) is an agency of Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, established by EPA Act 490 (1994). The agency is dedicated to improving, conserving and promoting the country’s environment and striving for environmentally sustainable development with sound, efficient resource management, taking into account social and equity issues. It oversees the implementation of the National Environment Policy. EPA Ghana's mission is to manage, protect and enhance the country’s environment and seek common solutions to global environmental problems. Its mission is to be achieved through an integrated environmental planning and management system with broad public participation, efficient implementation of appropriate programs and technical services, advice on environmental problems and effective, consistent enforcement of environmental law and regulations. EPA Ghana is a regulatory body and a catalyst for change to sound environmental stewardship.The agency began during a time of growing concern about the dangers to the environment from careless human activity, prompting the United Nations to convene a conference in Stockholm on the environment in June 1972. Guidelines for action were adopted at the conference, including the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The decision to establish the Environment Protection Council was a direct result of the recommendations of the Stockholm Conference. Before this decision, Ghana was elected by the General Assembly to the Governing Council of 58 nations set up to administer the affairs of the UNEP.Before the Stockholm conference, Ghana had felt the need for environmental protection and prepared the ground for a body to deal with environmental matters in the country. Several organizations had begun initiatives in environmental work; the best-known were:The Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, established as the local counterpart of the international body of the same nameThe Conservation Committee of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)The Ghana Working Group on the Environment, an informal group of scientists united by a common concern about environmental mattersNational Committee on the Human Environment, formed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1971 as a result of concern expressed by the Economic Commission for Africa and the Organisation of African Unity about the need to conserve and protect Africa’s natural resources

New Rules on Coal Power Plants to Target Pollution, Says EPA Administrator Michael Regan New Rules on Coal Power Plants to Target Pollution, Says EPA Administrator Michael Regan New Rules on Coal Power Plants to Target Pollution, Says EPA Administrator Michael Regan New Rules on Coal Power Plants to Target Pollution, Says EPA Administrator Michael Regan New Rules on Coal Power Plants to Target Pollution, Says EPA Administrator Michael Regan New Rules on Coal Power Plants to Target Pollution, Says EPA Administrator Michael Regan

SOURCES

Washington Post

New rules will slash air, water and climate pollution from U.S. power plants

Washington Post

The Huffington Post

Biden Finalizes Plan To Overhaul Dirty Power Grid And Reduce Blackouts

The Huffington Post

The Verge

The EPA’s new power plant pollution rule has a big, gassy hole in it

The Verge

CNN

Biden administration finalizes new rules for power plants in one of its most significant climate actions to-date | CNN

Ella Nilsen, Jen Christensen

CBS News

EPA issues toughest rule yet on power plant emissions, but it's likely to face court challenges

CBS News

ABC News

Tough new EPA rules would force coal-fired power plants to capture emissions or shut down

ABC News

ABC News

Tough new EPA rules would force coal-fired power plants to capture emissions or shut down

ABC News

NPR

Coal and new gas power plants will have to meet climate pollution targets

NPR

Fox News

Biden admin cracks down on power plants fueling nation's grid

Fox News

The Guardian

New rule compels US coal-fired power plants to capture emissions – or shut down

Associated Press

NDTV

US Announces Sweeping Cuts To Power Sector Carbon Emissions

NDTV

NBC

New EPA rules would force coal-fired power plants to capture emissions or shut down

NBC

ABC News

New rules on coal power plants target pollution 'pushing our planet to the brink,' EPA Administrator Michael Regan says

ABC News

ABC News

New rules on coal power plants target pollution 'pushing our planet to the brink,' EPA Administrator Michael Regan says

ABC News

PANORA

President Biden extends deadline for automakers to increase EV sales

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PANORA

Biden Administration Sets New Air Quality Standard to Prevent Illnesses Linked to Pollutants

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PANORA

EPA Issues Rule to Reduce Toxic Emissions at Chemical Plants

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EPA Finalizes Stricter Standard for Fine Particle Pollution

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Wikipedia

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

Wikipedia

PANORA

EPA Awards $20 Billion in Grants for Clean Energy Projects

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PANORA

EPA Defends $20 Billion Green Bank Program for Climate Solutions

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Wikipedia

Michael S. Regan

Wikipedia

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EPA Allows Sale of Higher Ethanol Blend Amid Global Conflicts

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EPA Announces Comprehensive Ban on Asbestos in the United States

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EPA Implements Nationwide Limit on PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water

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White House celebrates response to toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio

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Wikipedia

Environmental protection

Wikipedia

PANORA

EPA Sets National Drinking Water Standards for Forever Chemicals

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Wikipedia

Environmental Protection Agency (Ghana)

Wikipedia