EPA Proposes Delaying Stricter Wastewater Controls for Coal Plants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed extending compliance deadlines for stricter wastewater controls at coal-fired power plants. This move could delay the implementation of pollution controls, potentially increasing environmental and public health risks. The EPA also aims to reduce costs and burdens on states and the regulated community by altering the Clean Air Act's Regional Haze Rule.
Last year, the EPA revised the Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) for coal-fired power plants, introducing stricter controls on coal ash wastewater pollution. Plants were required to halt certain discharges by 2029 or commit to phasing out coal use by 2034. However, the EPA's recent proposal seeks to extend these compliance deadlines, which could postpone the implementation of these stricter pollution controls.
The EPA estimates that extending compliance could reduce electricity costs by approximately $30 million to $200 million annually. However, it's important to note that pollution from coal can result in up to $26 billion a year in additional emergency room visits. Residual waste from burning coal contains contaminants like mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, posing significant health and environmental risks.
In addition to the ELG changes, the EPA is also considering modifications to the Regional Haze Rule. It has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to gather information about potential regulatory changes. Comments on the EPA's proposals are due 30 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register.
The EPA's proposals, part of a broader package of coal-supporting actions, aim to reduce costs and burdens on the industry. However, the potential delay in implementing stricter pollution controls may have significant environmental and public health implications. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments within the given timeframe.
