EPA Finalizes GHG Powerplant Rule, Setting Stage For "Major Questions" Showdown

Highlights

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 9, 2024, finalized its Standards and Guidelines for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants.
• The rule, which would require aggressive reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from conventional power plants, has already prompted 27 states and industry groups to file suit to block implementation. Challengers moved for an immediate stay of implementation on May 13, 2024.
• The rule is intended to address climate pollution from existing coal-fired power plants and ensure that new combustion turbines are constructed to minimize GHG emissions by requiring those plants to achieve emissions reductions equivalent to those possible through use of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS).