From Ars Technica · · 2m
EPA sued over plan to kill power plant climate rules
Environmental groups say repealing emissions standards will cause thousands of deaths and leave America's biggest industrial pollution source unchecked.
In brief
Environmental groups say repealing emissions standards will cause thousands of deaths and leave America's biggest industrial pollution source unchecked. The EPA's decision to eliminate climate regulations for power plants faces immediate legal challenge from major environmental and public health organizations who…
EPA repeals power plant climate rules
Days after finalizing the repeal, six major environmental and public health groups sued the EPA, arguing the decision violates the Clean Air Act and leaves the nation's largest industrial pollution source unregulated.
“Clean air is a basic human right.”
Groups file court challenge immediately
The American Lung Association, American Public Health Association, Clean Air Council, Clean Wisconsin, Environmental Defense Fund, and Natural Resources Defense Council petitioned the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit to review the EPA's action.
Repeal could cause thousands of deaths
The petition alleges the rule change could cause thousands of premature deaths by weakening life-saving air quality standards, especially harming children, pregnant people, and pollution-burdened communities.
“Power plant pollution threatens the health of millions of Americans and fuels climate change.”
EPA claims repeal saves money
The EPA says the repeal will deliver 310 billion dollars in utility savings and 370 million dollars in compliance cost reductions while unleashing coal and natural gas resources.
“virtually no benefits”
EPA ignores climate harms, groups say
The EPA dismissed climate risks by claiming they are too uncertain and remote to tie to the US power sector, despite power plants being the nation's largest industrial pollution source.
Wisconsin faces worsening climate impacts
Wisconsin has the ninth-highest death rate from particulate matter pollution and is already experiencing warmer winters, hotter summers, and more extreme weather events that will worsen without power plant regulations.
“devastating consequences”
Repeal will cost billions in health care
The Environmental Defense Fund predicts the rule change will cause thousands of premature deaths and billions of dollars in additional health costs while Americans already face skyrocketing insurance bills from extreme weather.
“will cause thousands of premature deaths and billions of dollars in additional health costs”
Public comment period extends through October
The EPA will hold a public hearing at the end of this month and accept public comments through October as thousands of Americans have already submitted feedback on the proposed repeal.
The bottom line
The EPA's decision to eliminate climate regulations for power plants faces immediate legal challenge from major environmental and public health organizations who argue it violates the Clean Air Act and will cause preventable deaths.
