In a significant move aimed at combating climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new rule that would require coal-fired power plants to capture smokestack emissions or face closure. The rule, announced on Thursday, sets stricter limits on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric plants, marking the Biden administration's most ambitious effort yet to reduce planet-warming pollution from the power sector.

Under these regulations, coal plants that plan to remain open beyond 2039 would be required to cut or capture 90% of their carbon dioxide emissions by 2032. Similarly, future electric plants fueled by coal or gas would need to control up to 90% of their carbon pollution. The EPA estimates that these standards will prevent 1.38 billion metric tons of carbon pollution through 2047, equivalent to the annual emissions of 328 million gas cars.

The new rule forms a crucial part of President Joe Biden's commitment to eliminate carbon pollution from the electricity sector by 2035 and achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized that the regulations aim to reduce pollution, protect communities, and improve public health while ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to power the nation forward.

However, industry groups and Republican-leaning states are expected to challenge the rule, as they argue that it represents government overreach and could lead to reliability issues in the electric grid. Rich Nolan, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, criticized the EPA for ignoring the realities of the U.S. energy sector and argued that the closure of well-operating coal plants would have far-reaching consequences.

Responding to these concerns, Regan denied that the rules were intended to shut down the coal sector but acknowledged that some coal plants would retire. The EPA has relied on technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), which power companies have deemed viable for reducing carbon pollution in the industry.

Coal-fired power plants currently provide about 16% of U.S. electricity, down from 45% in 2010. Natural gas accounts for approximately 43%, with the remainder coming from nuclear energy and renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower.

In addition to the emissions rule, the EPA also tightened regulations governing wastewater pollution from coal-fired power plants and the management of coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal. Coal ash contains toxic substances like arsenic and mercury, posing risks to human health and the environment. The new rule requires the safe closure of inactive coal ash ponds and increased measures to prevent contamination of waterways.

Environmental groups have welcomed the EPA's actions as necessary to combat climate change and protect against the harmful effects it brings. David Doniger, an expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, praised the EPA rule as the latest in a series of significant actions taken by the Biden administration to reduce carbon pollution. He referred to the passage of the 2022 climate law and separate EPA rules targeting vehicle emissions and methane emissions from oil and gas drilling.

While this rule on power plant emissions represents a major step forward, experts caution that more action is needed to address carbon pollution in other sectors, including transportation and heavy industry. Abigail Dillen, president of the environmental group Earthjustice, emphasized the importance of cleaning up power plants before progress can be made in these other areas.

The EPA rule is set to push for greater use of carbon capture equipment, but it does not require its mandatory implementation, as it is an expensive and developing technology. The agency will establish caps on carbon dioxide pollution that plant operators must meet, allowing natural gas plants to blend their fuel with non-emitting sources. Currently, only a few carbon capture projects are operational in the United States.

While industry groups, Republican-leaning states, and some organizations have expressed opposition to the rule, the EPA remains steadfast in its commitment to curbing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a cleaner energy economy. With these regulations in place, the EPA hopes to encourage investments in clean energy and drive the nation closer to achieving its ambitious climate goals.