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EPA proposes CO2 emission standards for new fossil fuel-fired power plants

Green Car Congress

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed Clean Air Act standards to reduce CO 2 emissions from fossil-fuel fired power plants (electric utility generating units, EGUs). The proposed rulemaking establishes separate standards for natural gas and coal plants. In 2012, EPA issued a proposed standard for EGUs.

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PCAST suggests 6 key components for climate change strategy to President Obama; adaptation and mitigation

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The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) released a letter to President Obama describing six key components the advisory group believes should be central to the Administration’s strategy for addressing climate change. Both approaches are essential parts of an integrated strategy for dealing with climate change.

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Berkeley study finds renewable portfolio standards insufficient to meet 2030 GHG emission targets; new policy required

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The least expensive way for the Western US to reduce greenhouse gas emissions enough to help prevent the worst consequences of global warming is to replace coal with renewable and other sources of energy that may include nuclear power, according to a new study by University of California, Berkeley, researchers. Click to enlarge.

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Study from Thuringia shows 50% of harmful soot comes from local sources, 50% from long-distance transport

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From the researchers’ point of view, this underlines the need to further reduce emissions of soot that is harmful to health and the climate, as the carbon-containing particles still contribute to health hazards and climate warming even over distances of several hundred kilometers. The EU Air Quality Directive is to be updated by 2022.

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EPA proposes rule for nationwide 30% cut in GHG from existing power plants by 2030 relative to 2005

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The value allocated here in EPA’s goal-setting formula was an average heat rate improvement of 6% for coal steam electric generating units (EGUs). In 2020, EPA projects a 20% to 23% reduction of SO 2 ; 22% to 24% reduction of NO x ; and a 15% to 18% reduction of mercury, under the proposed Option 1 illustrative scenarios.

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Final session on international mercury convention this week expected to culminate in agreement; UNEP Global Mercury Assessment 2013 finds industrial source Hg emissions may be rising

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Unintentional emission sectors: Coal burning, ferrous- and non-ferrous (Au, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) metal production, cement production. The fifth and final session of negotiations on the establishment of an international mercury convention—International Negotiating Committee on Mercury (INC5)—is taking place this coming week in Geneva.

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In a first, the US will restrict existing coal-fired plants’ emissions

Baua Electric

Trucks Haul Coal Navajo Mine by U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require existing coal-fired and new natural gas-fired power plants to control 90% of their carbon emissions or shut down. Coal plants that intend to stay online beyond 2039 will have to cut or capture 90% of their CO2 emissions by 2032.

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