Clean Air Standards Coming for America's Biggest Carbon Polluters

[ProSense]

David Doniger’s Blog

Clean Air Standards Coming for America's Biggest Carbon Polluters

In a big step forward to protect Americans’ health and well-being, EPA announced today a two-year plan to set clean air standards for power plants and oil refineries, the two largest industrial sources of the dangerous pollution that drives global warming.

Following on the heels of the Obama administration’s breakthrough clean car standards, EPA is now taking the next logical steps under the Clean Air Act and the Supreme Court’s landmark global warming decision in 2007.

EPA is doing precisely what is needed to protect our health and welfare at a time when some would prefer just to roll back the clock. Clear pollution control standards based on available and affordable technology will also help these two industries plan future investments, fuel the economic recovery, and create jobs.

Power plants account for more than 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, more than any other industry. Oil refineries clock in as the second largest source, with emissions equivalent to more than 200 million tons of carbon dioxide (mainly a mixture of carbon dioxide and methane).

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[Teaser]

1. It will have to do

I wanted some kind of legal mechanism for regulation, but given the fact that the Senate is completely and utterly dysfunctional, I'll have to settle.

[vaberella]

2. EPA changes...doesn't need an act of congress? n/t