Coal Industry, Utilities Await EPA Announcement
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana's coal industry and utilities will be closely monitoring today's announcement of potential federal regulations designed to reduce carbon pollution. The Wall Street Journal reports the Obama administration will detail a proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule to slash carbon pollution from power plants by 30 percent by 2030. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce says Indiana is the second-largest consumer of coal in the nation. Chamber Vice President of Environment and Energy Vince Griffin told Inside INdiana Business earlier this year that approximately 80 percent of the state's electricity comes from coal, leaving Indiana behind only Texas in coal consumption.
Griffin stated proposed new standards announced earlier this year would lead to no new coal-fired plants and higher energy bills.
Today's announcement will directly impact existing plants.
The proposal is expected to outline options for states to reach new air pollution standards, without immediately shutting down plants. They could install new wind and solar operations or other technology and launch or expand so-called “cap and trade” programs.
Various national media outlets are reporting opponents to the plan are preparing to fight the regulations in court.
Source: Inside INdiana Business, The Wall Street Journal