EPA Regulation Rollback: Biden Admin's Proposal on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The proposed regulation has sparked widespread concern among climate scientists and experts, who argue that it would have devastating consequences for the environment and undermine efforts to combat climate change. The EPA's argument that CO2 and other greenhouse gases from power plants do not contribute significantly to climate change has been met with skepticism, and the plan is expected to face significant opposition.
The Biden Administration's proposed regulation to undo greenhouse gas emissions rules for power plants is undergoing White House review, with the EPA arguing that CO2 and other greenhouse gases from power plants do not contribute significantly to climate change, citing the US share of global power sector emissions as only 3% in 2022.
The proposed rule would effectively end EPA regulation of greenhouse gases from stationary sources under the Clean Air Act if finalized, sparking concerns among climate scientists who warn that this move could be disastrous for the environment and increase the country's reliance on foreign energy sources. The EPA claims that eliminating these emissions would have no meaningful effect on public health and welfare, but climate experts say this move is "deeply concerning" and would be an "abuse of the EPA's responsibility under the law."
The US is the world's second-largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, and coal and gas-fired plants are the largest domestic stationary source of emissions. The plan is expected to be released in June and will likely face lawsuits. Climate scientists are sounding the alarm over the proposed regulation, arguing that it would undermine efforts to combat climate change and have severe consequences for the environment.
As the proposed regulation moves forward, it remains to be seen how it will be received by the public and the courts. One thing is certain, however: the outcome will have significant implications for the future of environmental regulation in the US and the country's role in addressing the global climate crisis.