EPA Sets New Rules On Power Plant Emissions

Published June 2, 2014 at 10:06 AM PDT

A plume of exhaust extends from the Mitchell Power Station, a coal-fired power plant built along the Monongahela River, 20 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, on September 24, 2013 in New Eagle, Pennsylvania. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

The U.S. Environmental Protect Agency today announced new regulations that will limit carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants by nearly a third over the next 15 years.

Power plants are the single largest source of carbon emissions in the United States, and scientists say CO2 is the main cause of climate change.

Environmentalists are applauding the move, which is the centerpiece of President Obama’s climate plan. But the coal industry and members of Congress from coal-producing states say the measure will kill jobs and raise electricity costs.

Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson speaks with Peter Lehner, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Bill Bissett, president of the Kentucky Coal Association.

Guest

Peter Lehner, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council. He tweets @p_lehner.
Bill Bissett, president of the Kentucky Coal Association.