EPA Ruling Gives Agency Discretion To Regulate New Coal Plant CO2 Emissions

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A recent ruling by the Environmental Protection Agency’s
Environmental Appeals Board found that the EPA has not presented a valid reason
for refusing to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from new coal-fired power
plants.

In May 2008, the Sierra
Club went before the Environmental Appeals Board to challenge a permit
issued by EPA for Deseret Power Electric Cooperative’s proposed new coal-fired
power plant because it lacked a requirement to control CO2 emissions. Deseret
Power’s Bonanza plant would have emitted 3.37 million tons of carbon dioxide
each year.

The ruling does not require the EPA to limit CO2 emissions;
however
it requires EPA to reconsider including CO2 emission limits in this permit
and present a solid, public case for its decision. This has significant
implications for all new coal plant permitting decisions by EPA. This decision
follows a 2007 Supreme Court ruling recognizing carbon dioxide, the principle
source of global
warming as a pollutant under the
federal Clean Air Act.

Building on this positive precedent, NWF urges climate
supporters to ask the EPA to take broader action against global warming. We
cannot solve this problem plant by plant, it is time for a national approach to
limiting global warming pollution. National Wildlife Federation believes there
is no single greater threat to people and wildlife than global warming, so click
here to send official comments to urge the
EPA to take action immediately.