EPA revises its approach to regulating natural gas plant emissions

The Environmental Protection Agency delays implementing emissions regulations for existing natural gas plants, opting for a more comprehensive review to include more pollutants.

Matthew Daly reports for the Associated Press.

In short:

• The EPA's decision follows criticism from environmental justice groups, aiming for more comprehensive pollutant coverage in future regulations.
• New strategies will target the entire natural gas fleet and additional pollutants, offering a more robust approach to reducing emissions and protecting vulnerable communities.
• This move has stirred mixed reactions, with some environmentalists expressing disappointment over the delay and others seeing potential for more effective outcomes.

Key quote:

"We have always known that the fight for a clean power sector wouldn’t be a quick one."

— Charles Harper, Evergreen Action

Why this matters:

This move represents the EPA's strategic shift toward a more inclusive environmental policy, directly impacting health outcomes by aiming to reduce pollution in vulnerable communities. Recent studies have confirmed that the public health toll of oil and gas production is not limited to climate change.