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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 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the already widely-discussed (albeit without much detail) “Clean Power Plan” proposal, which mandates a national average 30% cut in greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants from 2005 levels by 2030. EPA is only proposing goals for states with fossil fuel-fired power plants.

2005 210
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Study finds that worldwide SO2 emissions rose between 2000-2005 after decade of decline; China, shipping topped growth

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The analysis by researchers in the US and Europe estimates anthropogenic global and regional sulfur dioxide emissions spanning the period 1850–2005 using a bottom-up mass balance method, calibrated to country-level inventory data. Since 1980, the fraction of sulfur coming from petroleum (50%) and coal (30%) has remained constant.

2005 186
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GEA updates study on beneficial externalities of geothermal energy

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The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) has released an update to a 2005 paper published in the Electricity Journal that explored the beneficial externalities associated with using geothermal power instead of fossil fuels by comparing emissions levels of different fuel sources. The 2005 paper found roughly 1.6

Energy 252
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Federal Appeals Court vacates EPA Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

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A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia held in a 2-1 opinion that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had overstepped its authority with the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), and, as a result, vacated the regulation (USCA Case #11-1302). Earlier post.).

EPA 236
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EPA Proposes Transport Rule to Cut Pollution from Power Plants in 31 States and DC; New Approach for Pollution Reduction

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The proposed Transport Rule sets in place a new approach that can and will be applied again as further pollution reductions are needed to help areas meet air quality health standards, EPA says. By 2014, the rule and other state and EPA actions would reduce SO 2 emissions by 71% over 2005 levels. NO x emissions would drop by 52%.

Pollution 218
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EPA: US greenhouse gases up 2% in 2013; increased coal consumption, cool winter

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The increase from 2012 to 2013 was due to an increase in the carbon intensity of fuels consumed to generate electricity due to an increase in coal consumption, with decreased natural gas consumption, according to the report. By sector, power plants were the largest source of emissions, accounting for 31% of total US greenhouse gas pollution.

2013 150
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MIT study says combustion emissions cause ~200,000 premature deaths/year in US; vehicles and power generation top sources

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In a state-by-state analysis, the researchers found that California suffers the worst health impacts from air pollution, with about 21,000 early deaths annually, mostly attributed to road transportation and to commercial and residential emissions from heating and cooking. 2000 (90% CI: 0–4,000) early deaths from ozone, according to the study.

MIT 378