Trump is about to topple the last pillar of Biden’s climate agenda
With the repeal of a rule that limited carbon emissions from power plants, the president is further delaying the phaseout of coal.
The Trump administration's move to repeal the rule limiting carbon emissions from power plants is a significant setback for efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector. This rule, often referred to as the Clean Power Plan, was a cornerstone of the Obama administration's climate policy and a key component of President Biden's climate agenda. By repealing this rule, the Trump administration is making it more challenging for the US to meet its emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.
The power sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the US, with coal-fired power plants being a significant source of emissions. The Clean Power Plan aimed to reduce emissions from power plants by 32% below 2005 levels by 2030. Without this rule, coal-fired power plants will continue to operate with less stringent emissions standards, delaying the phaseout of coal and the transition to cleaner energy sources. This move is likely to be welcomed by the coal industry, which has been a strong supporter of the Trump administration's energy policies.
What's next to watch is how this repeal will impact the US energy landscape and the country's ability to meet its climate goals. The Biden administration has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions from the power sector and transition to a clean energy economy. The repeal of the Clean Power Plan will likely lead to increased litigation and debate over the role of coal in the US energy mix. As the climate crisis continues to intensify, all eyes will be on the US to see if it can make progress towards reducing emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
Originally reported by grist.org. ClimateNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.