EPA makes controversial decision to rollback greenhouse gas regulations

A couple of moves by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week get slammed by environmentalists and deliver wins for power plants known to contribute to pollution.

The EPA got rid of rules adopted during the Biden administration that forced power plants run by coal and natural gas to cut greenhouse gas emissions or utilize carbon capture technology. It's direct opposition to the Clean Air Act. The agency claims it doesn't have the authority to oversee greenhouse gases related to climate change. The EPA says it will save power plants $310 billion.

The EPA also proposes eliminating every other greenhouse gas rule that's on the books for the energy industry, claiming that would save $370 million more in compliance costs. There is now a 45-day window open for public comment on that proposal. Conservation was once a big principal of conservatism in the Republican party. What should be the takeaway from these decisions? Host Jim Niedelman got into the issues with Scott County Democratic party chair Kay Pence and former Rock Island County Republican party chair Bill Bloom.

"I think it's extreme shortsighted, and it will increase local opposition to having power plants," Pence said. "It will slow the progress toward transitioning to cleaner energy."

"I think if you look at coal used to be a major employer across the Midwest, particularly across the river to our friends in Illinois," Bloom said. "I think what he's trying to do, he's trying to keep coal as a viable industry in the United States."

To hear more, click on the video above.

Question of the Week

That brings us to our question of the week: How do you feel about the plans from the Environmental Protection Agency to rollback regulations that limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com. or respond to this post on Facebook here or here.

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