Search

EPA Ready to Repeal Clean Power Plan

Posted on 10/13/2017 by Roger Marks

coal-fired-power-plant.jpgUS EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on October 10 signed a proposed Rule to repeal the Clean Power Plan, a 2015 EPA rulemaking that set state-specific, rate-based limits on greenhouse gases emitted from electricity generating units, or EGUs (i.e., power plants).

Under the Clean Power Plan, each state would have been required to design and implement a program to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by Summer 2018. Mandatory compliance would have started in Summer 2022. The stated goal of this new clean air program was to reduce carbon pollution from the power sector by 32 percent by 2030.

For more information on the soon-to-be-repealed Clean Power Plan, read: EPA Announces New Clean Power Plan


Why Is EPA Repealing the Clean Power Plan?

The current Administration’s decision to repeal the CPP is based on a difference in interpretation of the Clean Air Act Section 111(d), which requires EPA to set emissions guidelines for existing sources of air pollution, and base those guidelines on “best system of emission reduction” (BSER).

When the CPP was finalized, EPA interpreted “best system” to include shifting from coal-fired electricity generation to other, renewable sources like wind and solar. The new administration is working from a stricter interpretation of §111(d), under which the “best system” must be a technological or operational control that can be applied to or at a single source of air pollution.

Legal Challenges to the Clean Power Plan

EPA faced legal challenges to its Clean Power Plan almost immediately upon promulgating the Final Rule in October 2015. By February 10, 2016, the Supreme Court had issued a stay on the rule, preventing EPA from implementing or enforcing the new Clean Air Act provisions.

POTUS Unplugs Clean Power Plan

In March 2017, the President of the US issued an Executive Order to revoke many of the previous administration’s orders and reports related to climate change environmental orders issued by the previous administration and required EPA to “suspend, revise, or rescind” the Clean Power Plan.


What’s Next for Clean Air Act Greenhouse Gas Rules?

Like the Clean Power Plan itself, the effort to repeal the CPP will likely face legal challenges from environmental groups and State Attorneys General.

EPA’s proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan will appear in the Federal Register soon, and a public comment period will ensue. At this time, EPA has no immediate plans to issue a new rule to regulated greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, but the Agency is considering the scope and timing of such a rule. That said, EPA is planning to issue an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in order to solicit comments from industry and State agencies.

Clean Air Act Online Training

Designed to help environmental engineers, EHS mangers, and other professionals manage compliance with the Clean Air Act, the Clean Air Act Regulations Online Course guides professionals through compliance air permitting requirements, emissions and pollution controls, annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, Risk Management Planning (RMP) responsibilities, and more. 

Build the expertise needed to make informed on-the-job decisions that help your site control pollution and maintain compliance. Interactive, easy to use, and available 24/7, the new online course will help you get up to speed with new and changing EPA clean air rules and protect your facility from costly EPA enforcement. 

Tags: Act, Air, Clean, EPA, new rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.