STATEMENT: Biden administration rule will cut carbon pollution from power plants

New limits target emissions from coal- and new gas-burning power plants 

PHILADELPHIA – On Thursday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized updated standards that reduce the allowable levels of carbon pollution from coal and new gas-burning power plants. EPAs regulatory analysis projects that this final action, together with the Inflation Reduction Act, is projected to reduce carbon emissions in the power sector by more than 62% below 2022 emissions levels, and more than 75% below 2005 levels, by 2035. 

In 2020, Pennsylvania was the fourth-largest greenhouse gas-emitting state in the nation. A report by the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center found that 11 of the 12 Pennsylvania facilities emitting the most global warming pollution are coal and gas power plants.

In response, PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center Field Director Flora Cardoni issued the following statement: 

“For too long, Pennsylvania has been a big part of the climate pollution problem. Today’s rule can help make Pennsylvania a part of the climate solution by reining in the state’s biggest polluters.

“With severe flooding and downpours plaguing huge swaths of Pennsylvania only weeks ago, it’s clear that we need to rein in planet-warming carbon emissions from the power sector. Today’s new standards from the EPA are a step in the right direction.”

“This policy adds to the Biden administration’s extensive legacy of strong solutions to help the nation reduce fossil fuel emissions and tackle climate change.”

###

PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment. For more information, visit www.pennenvironmentcenter.org.