New EPA standards will limit greenhouse gas emissions

Los Angeles Times : On Tuesday the Obama administration released its long-awaited proposal to limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, which are the biggest single source of such emissions in the US. Under the new rule, the Environmental Protection Agency would bar new plants from emitting more than 1000 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour of electricity generated. It would effectively prevent construction of new coal-fired plants, which emit about 1600â1900 pounds per megawatt hour, in favor of those powered by natural gas. Strong opposition is expected from the coal industry, although the rule will not affect coal-fired plants already operating.