Michael F. Bennet

04/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/25/2024 12:19

Bennet Welcomes Final EPA Rules Limiting Harmful Power Plant Pollution

Bennet Welcomes Final EPA Rules Limiting Harmful Power Plant Pollution

April 25, 2024

EPA Rules, in Combination with Inflation Reduction Act investments, Expected to Reduce Power Sector Carbon Emissions 75% from 2005 Levels by 2035

Denver- Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest rules limiting harmful pollution from the power sector, including its rule targeting carbon emissions from existing coal and new gas power plants. The EPA's rules come eight months after Bennet joined29 other senators in a letter urging stronger fossil fuel-fired power plant standards to swiftly reduce carbon pollution.

"Colorado and the West are on the front lines of climate change. We owe it to the next generation to tackle climate change head-on and make serious commitments to reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions," said Bennet. "I'm glad to see the EPA step up to limit harmful pollution from fossil fuel power plants and help move us toward a cleaner energy future."

Bennet has been a leading voice in the Senate for bold climate action, strong clean energy investments, and collaboration among Western policymakers. From his seat on the Senate Finance Committee, Bennet has consistently pushed to extend and expand clean energy tax credits and boost domestic clean energy manufacturing to secure American supply chains and help us compete with China.

Today's announcement from EPA includes final rules to:

  • Reduce carbon pollution from existing coal-fired plants and new natural gas-fired plants;

  • Update the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS);

  • Strengthen water pollution limits for coal plants; and

  • Strengthen coal ash regulations.