EPA’s Proposed Emission Guidelines for Electric Utility Generating Units (2023)

In May 2023, EPA proposed new regulations to cut carbon pollution from around 3,400 methane gas and coal-fired power plants across the country. Initial requirements would begin in 2030 for coal-fired generators and 2032 for gas-fired units. The rule would impose a matrix of standards for the coal fleet, and existing and future gas plants, depending on their usage levels and operating lifetimes. For instance, for coal plants slated to keep running past 2039, it would effectively require 90% CO2 capture by 2035.

The limits can be met by highly efficient operations, carbon capture and sequestration, co-firing natural gas for coal units, and with “green” hydrogen for gas generators, according to the proposal. EPA projects that the proposal would spur 22 GW of coal-fired capacity to retire and 24 GW of natural gas-fired capacity to be built, including 11 GW of capacity co-fired with clean hydrogen, from 2023 to 2035. The proposal includes a process for allowing power plants to exceed GHG emissions limits if they are needed for grid reliability.