The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its
long awaited proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards
to slash carbon emissions from existing power plants, the largest
industrial source of GHG emissions in the US. The rule, if upheld
by the Supreme Court, will require existing power plants to reduce
GHG emissions by an average of 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.
It should also have an important impact on air pollution.Emission
reduction targets will be set state-by-state, taking into account
reductions already made. The rule is expected to be completed by
June 2015 and will give states up to one year to develop and submit
implementation plans to EPA. In addition, states will have the
ability to request extensions of up to two additional years to
complete their plans. EPA also issued a proposed rule for
modification and reconstruction of existing power plants with
respect to GHG emissions. Under EPA's January 8, 2014, proposed
rule addressing
