The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed on Thursday new emissions rules for coal and new natural gas-fired power plants that should prevent up to 617 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere by the end of 2042. EPA estimates that "the net climate and health benefits" of the new standards will be up to $85 billion in the same time period. The agency also said cutting the release of other pollutants would prevent around 1,300 premature deaths in 2030 alone.
EPA said that its analysis showed that "power companies can implement the standards with a negligible impact on electricity prices, well within the range of historical fluctuations." The proposal would require emission curbs "based on proven and cost-effective control technologies that can be applied directly to power plants," EPA said, adding that it will give companies "ample lead time and substantial compliance flexibilities."
