On Thursday, the Biden administration put forward a set of new regulations aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants.

This marks their most ambitious effort thus far to combat the climate change impacts caused by these sources, which are the second-largest contributors to global warming in the United States, the Associated Press has reported.

The proposed rule, revealed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), would compel power plants to employ technology capable of capturing emissions from their smokestacks.

While such technology has been promised for some time, it has not yet been widely implemented in the country.

During the announcement, EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the urgency of the climate crisis and taking necessary actions.

The new rule is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants, thereby safeguarding public health and the environment, as reported by the AP.

Regan highlighted that the plan would not only enhance air quality nationwide but also deliver substantial health benefits to communities, particularly those on the frontlines, which have disproportionately suffered the consequences of pollution for decades.

His remarks were delivered at the University of Maryland.

Written by staff