U.S. Power Industry Pushing Back Against EPA Emission Rules

[Nathanael]

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's new emission rules continue to be challenged by the country's energy industry. Utility executives warn that the new rules and standards will have dire affect on both U.S. economy and its power supply.

In March, after 20 years of effort, the EPA proposed the nation's first national mercury emissions standards for power plants. If finalized in November, the new standard will require power plants, in particular coal-fired facilities, to install emission control technologies by Jan 1, 2015. Although the Agency came under fire almost instantly for its proposal - energy producers are beginning to fall in line with the Agency's recommendations.

Duke Energy Corporation's Ohio Division, Duke Energy Ohio announced that because of the new rules it will likely retire all six coal-fired units at its W.C. Beckjord Station just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Link: http://www.energyboom.com/policy/us-power-industry-pushing-back-against-epa-emission-rules

[rucky]

1. What pisses me off

is that the retrofits they'd need to comply would pay for themselves in a few years through the increased efficiency they would bring the plant. They have finanical incentive to comply, but they'd rather play "who's whose bitch" with the EPA

[CarmanK]

2. Govt says NO for the common good! Industry gets better!

It is very well known that the reason the auto industry went down the tubes, was that the industry fought so hard and were successful in beating back gas mileage and pollution standards. If the govt had stood its ground and the american auto really had to compete and innovate, it would have done so. Air pollution, water pollution and ground pollution are real threat to our environment and to the well being of future generations. It is time that the EPA stood up. If there are Bushie political hacks in the way, get them out of the EPA. Their whole purpose is to stifle govt regulation and delay enforcement. And in the mean time, give no consideration to their duty to protect the common good while receiving a govt check.