Every source of carbon emissions is being enlisted in the fight against global warming, and in that effort power plants play a major role.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed new standards for fossil fuel-fired plants that would dramatically reduce their emissions.

On May 11, the EPA proposed new carbon pollution standards for coal- and natural gas-fired power plants. The technology-based standards EPA is proposing include:

• Strengthening the current New Source Performance Standards for newly built fossil fuel-fired stationary combustion turbines (generally natural gas fired).
• Establishing emission guidelines for states to follow in limiting carbon pollution from existing fossil fuel-fired steam electric generating units, including coal-, oil- and natural gas-fired units.
• Establishing emission guidelines for large, frequently used existing fossil fuel-fired stationary combustion turbines (generally natural gas-fired).

The EPA projects that the proposed new standards will avoid up to 617 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide through 2042, which is equivalent to reducing the annual emissions of 137 million passenger vehicles, roughly half the cars in the United States. The proposals would also result in cutting tens of thousands of tons of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

The EPA acknowledges the standards would require ambitious reductions in carbon pollution, but explains they are based on proven and cost-effective control technologies that can be applied directly to power plants. The agency also expects that the power sector’s ability to deliver reliable and affordable electricity will not be impeded. The EPA notes that since 2005, the power sector has reduced carbon dioxide emissions 36% while continuing to keep pace with growing energy demand

Regulating carbon emissions in the power sector has been a political and legal issue for many years. The controversy seemed to have culminated in 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court severely constrained the EPA’s ability to restrict power plant emissions in the case of West Virginia v. EPA. However, the ruling did not altogether eliminate the EPA’s power to address carbon emissions from power plants. The new proposed rules could invite more lawsuits and political controversy.

EPA will take comment on these proposals for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.