On September 20, EPA issued a proposed rule to restrict carbon emissions from new coal and gas-fired power plants. The restrictions are anticipated to require carbon capture and sequestration for any new coal-fired plants. EPA also has announced plans to issue a rule regulating carbon emissions from existing coal-fired plants in 2014.
EPA is proposing two standards for natural gas-fired plants: 1,000 lb CO2/MWh for larger units (>850 mmBtu/hr) and 1,100 lb CO2/MWh for smaller units (≤850 mmBtu/hr).
EPA is proposing two alternative limits for fossil fuel-fired plants: 1,100 lb CO2/MWh over a 12-operating month period, or 1,000-1,050 lb CO2/MWh over an 84-operating month (7-year) period.