The Trump administration, known for its scepticism about climate change, announced on Wednesday plans to roll back environmental measures introduced by the previous US administration to reduce emissions from power plants, including those powered by gas and coal.
According to Lee Zeldin, head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this reversal will help American families save on electricity bills and ensure that they have the power they need today.
The targeted regulations include limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and restrictions on the release of mercury and other harmful pollutants into the air.
The current administration argues that such measures, aimed at cutting emissions from the world’s largest polluter and safeguarding nearby communities, are expensive and hinder the country’s energy development.
US authorities stress the need to boost energy production as electricity demand is expected to soar with the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI).
Zeldin assured that no power plant would be allowed to emit more than it currently does.
However, current emissions are already high. A recent analysis by the Institute for Policy Integrity, a US think tank, suggests that if it were a country, the US electricity sector would rank as the sixth-largest polluter globally.
The analysis also indicates that since 1990, the sector has contributed 5% to total global emissions.
The proposals announced will undergo a period of public comment before finalisation. If implemented, they are likely to face legal challenges.
