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EPA Moves to Tighten Air Pollution Controls from Large Polluters

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed a rule requiring large power plants, factories, and oil refineries to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. The rule aims to limit emissions that can boost allergens, worsen smog, and trigger asthma attacks. The EPA estimates that the rule will cover 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, focusing on large polluters such as power plants, refineries, and cement production facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EPA rule requires large polluters to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by installing better technology and improving energy efficiency.
  • The rule applies to power plants, factories, and oil refineries that collectively are responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.
  • The rule sets common-sense standards to clean the air and protect public health while avoiding burdensome regulations that could harm farms and small and medium-sized businesses.
  • The EPA estimates that the rule will take effect in January and starting in July 2011, the rule will apply to any existing plant that emits at least 75,000 tons of greenhouse gases a year or any new plant that emits 100,000 tons per year.
  • The rule will add new regulations for industrial facilities that already obtain Clean Air Act permits for other pollutants, requiring them to obtain permits for greenhouse gases if they increase those emissions by at least 75,000 tons per year.
  • Senator John Kerry argues that the EPA's rule highlights the urgency of passing a climate bill, while Senator Lisa Murkowski introduces a resolution to strip the EPA of its power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Statistics:

  • 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States come from large power plants, factories, and oil refineries.
  • The EPA rule aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from these polluters by requiring better technology and improved energy efficiency.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Associated Press
  • Bloomberg News

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