Trump’s EPA reportedly ⁠poised to axe carbon pollution rules for power plants

The US Environmental Protection Agency's reported plan to repeal carbon pollution standards for coal- and gas-fired power plants is a concerning development in the country's climate policy. These standards, established under the Obama administration, were a crucial step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, which is one of the largest contributors to climate change. By repealing these rules, the Trump administration would be removing a key regulatory barrier to reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to roll back climate regulations, which has been met with criticism from environmental advocates and experts. They argue that these rollbacks prioritize the interests of polluters over the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations. The power sector is a significant source of carbon emissions, and without these standards, it may be more challenging to meet US climate goals under the Paris Agreement. The industry context is that the power sector is rapidly evolving, with renewable energy sources becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels.

What's next to watch is how this repeal would impact the power sector's transition to cleaner energy and the US's ability to meet its climate commitments. Additionally, it will be important to see how this move is received by the public, Congress, and the courts, as there may be legal challenges to the repeal of these standards. The EPA's decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for climate policy, and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the agency's next steps.

Originally reported by theguardian.com. ClimateNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.