EPA recently proposed Clean Air Act standards to reduce carbon pollution from new power plants to fight against climate change and to improve public health. The agency is also working with other organizations to create carbon pollution standards for existing power plants. EPA reports this is a first step that addresses U.S. President Barack Obama's Climate Action Plan."By taking commonsense action to limit carbon pollution from new power plants, we can slow the effects of climate change and fulfill our obligation to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our children," says EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "These standards will also spark the innovation we need to build the next generation of power plants, helping grow a more sustainable clean energy economy."
According to the agency, the proposed standards will help ensure that new power plants are built with clean technology, such as efficient natural gas, nuclear power, wind and/or solar power, or advanced coal technology. EPA welcomes public comment on the proposed standards, which will be open 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.