Victory for clean air as D.C. Circuit refuses to block stricter standards for hazardous air emissions from power plants
WASHINGTON – In a significant win for public health and the environment, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has denied attempts to delay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) stricter regulations for hazardous air pollutants, including mercury, from existing coal-fired power plants. The decision comes after industry and state challengers filed motions to stay implementation of the standards while the court heard challenges to the rule.
“Hazardous air pollutants like mercury, arsenic, and nickel present serious threats to public health and the environment, especially in frontline communities,” said Hayden Hashimoto, Attorney at Clean Air Task Force (CATF). “While most coal-fired power plants already meet the updated standards, this rule will ensure that the few remaining laggards catch up. This rule also requires continuous emissions monitoring, which will improve transparency by providing more data on emissions. We believe the EPA is on solid legal ground with this technology review and anticipate a successful defense of the rule.”
CATF represents the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, Clean Wisconsin, Natural Resources Council of Maine, and the Ohio Environmental Council as intervenors in defense of EPA’s rule. The cases are State of North Dakota et al. v. EPA, No. 24-1119, and associated cases.
Contatto con la stampa
Natalie Volk, Communications Manager, [email protected], +1 703-785-9580
Circa Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With more than 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
