Proposed EPA Regulation Changes

On September 20, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed carbon pollution standards that could impact future power plants.  The proposed standard would force a carbon capture and storage technology that is commercially unproven and cost prohibitive to be implemented at all future coal-fired power plants.  This proposed solution has shown in numerous studies to drive up the cost to generate electricity from future coal plants by as much as 60 to 85% as well as lower efficiency of production anywhere from 20 to 40%.  Furthermore the EPA is scheduled to release proposed carbon regulations for all existing coal and natural gas generation facilities in June 2014, and would affect 65% of our nation’s current energy supply.  These new regulations have the potential to increase the cost of electricity significantly.

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If you are concerned about these proposed standards or would like more information please visit www.action.coop, while there you can send an email to the EPA and also get some more detailed information on how these regulations could affect you.  You may also read the November 2013 manager’s column for our manager’s detailed explanation of the legislation at hand.