The EPA proposed a regulation that would, for the first time, limit coal-burning power plant emissions. The regulation would limit the amount of mercury, arsenic and other pollutants coal-fired power plants could legally emit. While this regulation has the potential to reduce respiratory illness and improve air quality, some believe the costs outweigh the benefits.
Industry groups believe that a regulation such as this could cost thousands of jobs and increase the electric rates across the country. However, Lisa Jackson, EPA administrator, estimated that the regulation would cost industry $10 billion by 2015, but said the health and environmental improvements would be worth more than $100 billion a year.
“Today’s announcement is 20 years in the making, and is a milestone in the Clean Air Act’s already unprecedented record of defending the health of American families,” said Jackson. “With the help of existing technologies, we will be able to take reasonable steps to protect our children and loved ones and prevent premature deaths, heart attacks and asthma cases.”
The EPA will hold public hearings on the proposed standards.