Words by Tess Becker
In another step towards cutting pollution levels and fighting climate change, the Biden administration has announced fresh plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the US power industry. This is one of the biggest steps the US has taken in the climate fight so far.
The proposal features plans to limit how much carbon dioxide power plants can release into the atmosphere.
Power plants produce over a quarter of the country’s emissions. The new regulations would put the industry on a years-long course to install billions of dollars of new equipment or shut down.
The plans come with a push from the government for power companies to install carbon capture and storage equipment (CCS) to siphon the CO2 from a plant’s smokestack before it reaches the atmosphere, or use super-low-emissions hydrogen as a fuel.
“Today we're proposing new technology standards that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants, protecting health and protecting our planet,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said.
The Environmental Protection Agency projects the plan would cut carbon emissions from coal plants and new gas plants by 617 million tonnes between 2028 and 2042, the equivalent of reducing the annual emissions of 137 million passenger vehicles.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Beacon Food Forest. This is one of the largest food forests in the country. Find out more and support them here.
Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more.
American Forests. A conservation organization focused on preserving and protecting American forests. Support them here.
