Jessica King, jessica.king@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. --Today, President Biden’s EPA proposed tough new federal climate pollution standards for the electric power sector, the nation’s second-largest source of climate-disrupting greenhouse gas pollution.
The proposal sets mandatory carbon dioxide limits under the Clean Air Act for existing coal plants and both new and existing gas plants. Once finalized, these safeguards would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants and accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.
EPA’s climate pollution standards are based on emission limits possible through the installation of various technologies, including control equipment that captures carbon dioxide from power plants’ smokestacks. However, owners of power plants can choose any compliance strategy that achieves EPA’s climate pollution standards, including retiring plants early or accepting enforceable limits on how often those units run.
These rules follow other significant actions by the EPA, including efforts targeting methane pollution and the transportation sector.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“Power plants have been allowed to pump deadly carbon dioxide pollution into the air we breathe, threatening our communities and our future, with nearly no federal limits–until now. Today’s proposal marks a significant step forward, and we’re pleased to see the Biden Administration continue to address climate pollution in a serious way. Now, the Administration must finish the job and ensure the final standards are as strong as possible.
"Along with actions addressing other major pollution sources, including methane from oil and gas equipment and greenhouse gases from vehicles, the President is taking the bold steps necessary to protect our climate, our health, and our future.
“But we know the work to confront the climate crisis doesn’t stop at strong carbon pollution standards. The continued use or expansion of fossil power plants is incompatible with a livable future. Simply put, we must not merely limit the use of fossil fuel electricity: we must end it entirely. Sierra Club will continue to fight for a rapid transition to clean energy to protect communities and the environment."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.