Coal-Heavy States' Rates to Soar With EPA Rules

摘要

Two of the US Environmental Protection Agency's proposed regulations imposed on coal-fueled power plants could cause some big problems for electricity customers in coal-heavy states, according to a new analysis prepared by National Economic Research Associates (Nera). The two regulations discussed are the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule that would require 27 states to reduce power plant emissions that contribute to ozone and fine particle pollution in other states, and the Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT), standards designed to control utility emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants. The analysis sponsored by the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (Accce) says that the combined economic impact of both these proposed regulations for power plants could cost the US electricity sector nearly $18 billion per year.