WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Environmental Protection Agency issued new rules Thursday to try and reduce air pollution that makes people sick and destroys the climate. These rules put stricter guidelines on coal power plants, requiring safe management of coal ash and reducing pollutants but some opponents are criticizing this move.
“Coal and natural gas power plants operated by our power sector are some of the largest sources of air, water, and land pollution,” said EPA administrator Michael Regan.
EPA administrator Michael Regan announced new regulations that require coal plants to reduce 90% of their greenhouse pollution by 2039.
“Biggest environmental challenge facing our nations is man-made pollution,” Regan added.
The EPA’s rules would also tighten mercury emission limits for those burning the lowest grade coal, restrict toxic ash seepage into water supplies, and limit wastewater discharge.
“It’s EPA’s responsibility to protect the American people from harmful contaminants,” said Vickie Patton …