Electric Co-op Today

NRECA CEO Glenn English says new Clean Air Act rules on greenhouse gas emissions underscore the need for legislative action to halt the Environmental Protection Agency from proceeding with its regulatory plans.

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. (Photo By: iStockphoto)

English said co-ops should push hard for Congress to develop a good solution that precludes use of the Clean Air Act from regulating emissions from stationary sources.

“With these new rules, it should be clear that EPA will start regulating carbon as early as next January, even though people agree the Clean Air Act is the wrong tool to use for that purpose,” he said.

“Co-ops need to reach out to their elected officials and tell them a responsible solution to this matter is essential to keeping electric bills from increasing dramatically.”

The rules, which EPA announced May 13, represent the agency’s attempt to “tailor” its regulations, so that they only affect large sources at the onset of the program.

According to the rules, permitting requirements will kick in next January for sources that already are obtaining permits for other pollutants under the Clean Air Act, if their new or increased greenhouse gas emissions exceed 75,000 tons per year.

In July 2011, all new and existing sources of greenhouse gases that emit more than 100,000 tons per year would be required to get a permit, in addition to existing sources undergoing modifications that will increase greenhouse gas emissions more than 75,000 tons per year.

EPA estimated the rules initially will apply to about 15,550 sources, such as coal-based power plants, refineries and solid waste landfills.

Tags: Clean Air Act, Climate Change, Environmental Protection Agency, Greenhouse Gas