The New EPA Rules Will Slash 1.38 Billion Tons of Carbon Emissions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week announced tough new rules on carbon emissions that will slash air pollution from both coal- and gas-powered power plants. Clean air and climate action advocates, including the NC League of Conservation Voters (NCLCV) are praising the Biden-Harris Administration’s “get tough” approach to fighting pollution from power plants.

The new limits are considered the Biden-Harris Administration’s toughest yet on carbon pollution from the electric power sector. For the first time, the limits are being applied to existing power plants as well as new ones. Over time, fossil-fuel-powered plants will either have to implement effective carbon capture technology or shut down. According to the EPA, the new standards will avoid 1.38 billion metric tons of carbon pollution through 2047, equivalent to the annual emissions of 328 million gas cars. In addition, they will provide hundreds of billions of dollars in climate and health benefits, including fewer premature deaths, asthma cases and lost work or school days. 

Slashing Emissions Affects North Carolina

“These rules make it clear that burning fossil fuels threatens our health and our climate, so we must transition to cleaner energy sources. In light of these new rules, Duke Energy’s plan to build record amounts of expensive, dirty gas plants makes absolutely no sense – except when you consider Duke’s highly paid executives and record profits,” said Michelle (Meech) Carter, director of clean energy campaigns for NCLCV. “These rules represent a historic step forward for tackling the climate crisis and protecting our air, water, and the health of our communities, especially the health of environmental justice communities, from the impacts of dirty fossil fuel power plants.” 

Take Action & Help Slash Carbon Emissions

We encourage concerned citizens to get involved in helping to stop Duke Energy’s dirty power plans. Duke Energy wants to build an expensive and dirty methane gas plant in Roxboro. Methane is 80 times more harmful than CO2 for 20 years after it is released. Additionally, this plant would require pipelines to provide fuel, driving costs up that Duke could pass onto ratepayers. Here’s one good place to start taking action!