Power Plant Rule Advances Clean Energy Economy, Highlights Need for Next Steps for Public Health, Wildlife

WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Environmental Protection Agency's power-plant emissions rule will make crucial progress in limiting dangerous emissions, however the exclusion of more than 2,000 existing natural gas power plants raises concerns for public health and wildlife protections. Existing natural gas power plants make up more than one-third of power-sector greenhouse gases and are a leading driver of public health crises in frontline communities.

"The EPA's decision today marks progress on power plant emissions, but we need further regulations and measures to fully address the impact of these dangerous emissions in vulnerable communities," said Dr. Adrienne Hollis, vice president of environmental justice, public health, and community resilience and revitalization at the National Wildlife Federation. "We cannot stop here. We must take action to address the most dangerous emissions from gas plants including methane emissions and other pollutants such as mercury, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides that are harmful to public health, particularly for those overburdened by cumulative environmental risks."

"This rule marks major progress in tackling climate-altering emissions, yet we have lots more work to do. EPA must now develop another rule that targets particularly harmful pollution from existing natural gas plants, which are not included in the rule," said Shannon Heyck-Williams, associate vice president of climate and energy for the National Wildlife Federation. "The Administration should build upon this progress and address all power plant emissions that harm communities, air, and climate."