Climate Change

EPA Plans To Roll Back Coal Plant Emissions Policy

The agency announced Thursday that it's proposing to roll back an Obama-era regulation that limits coal plant emissions.

EPA Plans To Roll Back Coal Plant Emissions Policy
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The Environmental Protection Agency announced a proposal Thursday to roll back an Obama-era regulation that limits greenhouse gas emissions from coal plants. 

The proposed change would mean that new coal plants wouldn't be required to meet stricter carbon emissions goals. 

EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the revised standard would still comply with the Clean Air Act. 

"This proposal would further America's historic energy production under President Trump," Wheeler said. "It would help keep energy prices affordable and it would increase new investments in energy technologies."

Under President Trump, the agency has moved to roll back air pollution regulations issued by the Obama administration, which has prompted some criticism from environmental groups. 

But the Trump administration appeared to make a shift last month when it announced the launch of the Cleaner Trucks Initiative. That proposal aims to reduce emissions from heavy-duty highway trucks.

There will be a 60-day public comment period after the proposed rule's published in the Federal Register. The EPA will also hold a public hearing on the power plant issue.