The Biden administration has taken a significant step towards phasing out coal as a source of electricity in America. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced four new regulations aimed at reducing toxic and planet-warming pollution from coal-fired power plants, which are considered the dirtiest source of electricity in the nation.
One of the most impactful rules focuses on nearly eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from coal plants. Additionally, the regulations target the reduction of mercury emissions, the prevention of toxic ash seepage into water supplies, and the decrease of wastewater discharge from these plants. Once implemented, these rules are expected to lead to the closure of almost all remaining coal plants in the country by 2040.
The new regulations are considered a significant development in the effort to combat climate change and improve air and water quality. However, the electric utilities industry has expressed concerns about the feasibility of meeting these stringent standards. The lack of widely available technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants may result in the closure of many coal plants as the most cost-effective compliance option.
Under the new rules, existing coal plants that are scheduled to operate beyond 2039 must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2032. Plants set to close by 2039 would need to reduce emissions by 16 percent by 2030. The aging nature of the country’s coal plants means that many facilities may shut down before having to meet these strict limits.
Coal-fired power plants are located across the country, with significant numbers in states like Pennsylvania, Texas, Indiana, Wyoming, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Iowa. While coal has historically been a major source of electricity in the U.S., its use has declined over the years. In 2023, coal accounted for only 16.2 percent of electricity generation, with renewable energy sources surpassing coal in power generation.
Despite the Biden administration’s efforts, the new regulations could face challenges. Republican-led states and the coal industry are expected to challenge the rules in court, and a potential second Trump administration could seek to overturn them. Former President Donald J. Trump has expressed support for fossil fuels and has vowed to roll back Biden’s environmental regulations if re-elected.
The move to phase out coal in America represents a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, but the road ahead may be fraught with legal and political obstacles.
