EPA May Adjust Carbon Dioxide Standard Based on Public Comments
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may adjust its proposed carbon dioxide standard for existing coal-based power plants according to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. The standard, which sets emission levels for each state, was proposed on June 2. After the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and other organizations encouraged the agency to allow more time to study the proposal’s impacts, the EPA extended the public comment period by 45 days, and it remains open until December 1. Under the proposed rule, each state must develop an implementation plan based on “building blocks” created by EPA that involve switching fuel from coal to natural gas, increasing power supplies from renewable energy resources and creating greater energy efficiency. McCarthy says the agency has received “great comments,” and conversations are ongoing with energy and environmental stakeholders. To read more about this story, click here.
