EPA Drafting Plan to Remove Greenhouse Gas Caps on Power Plants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed it is developing a plan to lift greenhouse gas emission caps on coal- and natural gas-fired power plants nationwide. This move follows a reconsideration of the Biden administration's Clean Power Plan 2.0, which was introduced as the latest effort to regulate power plant emissions.
The EPA spokesperson stated that the agency is addressing concerns that previous regulations were overreaching, potentially raising energy costs and increasing reliance on foreign energy sources. The new plan aims to ensure reliable and affordable energy while adhering to the rule of law.
Critics argue that the current technology for achieving significant emissions reductions, such as carbon capture and sequestration, is not economically viable or sufficiently developed for widespread use. The Trump administration's Affordable Clean Energy rule, which replaced the Obama-era Clean Power Plan, faced legal challenges from states, utilities, and industry stakeholders.
The D.C. Circuit Court has yet to issue a ruling on the merits of the case, with ongoing legal battles over the feasibility and costs of carbon capture technology. The EPA's proposed rule will undergo interagency review before its release, signaling a potential shift in U.S. energy policy.

Published: 5/25/2025