US repeals rules limiting greenhouse gas emissions by power plants
The Trump administration says it could save power plants more than $300bn and 'unleash' American energy.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is repealing rules limiting emissions by coal and gas power plants, in a move that undoes decades of protections meant to curb gasses scientists say are responsible for global warming.
“Americans have been demanding more common sense at federal agencies under President [Donald] Trump’s leadership,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said at a news conference in Houston on Monday. “That means cutting red tape so we can build new power-generating infrastructure.”
The EPA estimated the changes would eliminate more than $300bn in costs for power plants. The agency also proposed a separate rule, expected to be made final next year, that could prevent future administrations from returning and again regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
The rollbacks are meant to fulfill Trump’s repeated pledge to “unleash American energy” and make it easier for utilities to supply electricity for homes and businesses.