EPA Finalizes Package of Standards to Slash Power Plant Pollution, Helping Advance the Transition from Coal to Clean Energy in Iowa

Federal standards will ensure cleaner, reliable power for Iowa, protecting the climate and the heal

April 25, 2024

Des Moines, IA - In a major win for the climate and public health, theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized four separate standardstoday that will slash air, water, and carbon pollution from power plants. These critically-needed safeguards will improve air and water quality for families, particularly for Iowa communities suffering from the pollution of MidAmerican Energy's five massive coal plants, making them the largest carbon polluter in the state.

Over one million people submitted public comments on proposals to strengthen these federal standards, including thousands of Sierra Club members and supporters who urged the Administration to adopt the most protective rules possible. More information on the EPA's rules can be found here.

In response to the announcement of the standards, Emma Colman, Organizing Representative in Iowa for Sierra Club released the following statement:

"Despite its flashy marketing campaigns, MidAmerican Energy has been Iowa's number one carbon polluter with its five coal plants. But the days of unchecked climate pollution from fossil fuel power plants from utilities like MidAmerican are numbered. These standards put the health and safety of everyday people first. Every person, regardless of zip code, deserves clean air, safe water, and a stable climate."

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.