Next Generation

The EPA's proposed new rules for power plants

- Damien Martin

In May, the EPA announced a proposal for new rules for power plants that it expects would cut carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal plants and new natural gas plants by 617 million metric tons from 2028-42. That would be equivalent to taking half of today’s cars off the road for a year. As power generation accounts for 25% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, second to transportation, the rules have the potential to make a big impact on how we power the country.

Even if fully enacted, though, the rules would fall short of 100% clean electricity by 2035, one of President Joe Biden’s stated goals. But they would be significant nonetheless, especially considering that clean energy initiatives like electric cars still rely on the same old power grid to function. The devil is in the details, so let’s dive in.

Coal Plants