Biden's aggressive new climate policy targets coal pollution

President Biden has introduced stringent regulations on coal power plants to reduce pollution and transition to cleaner energy sources.

Alex Guillén and Zack Colman report for Politico.

In short:

The new EPA regulations mandate the installation of carbon capture technology at coal-fired power plants by 2032.
These rules are part of a broader package aiming to cut mercury emissions and manage coal waste more effectively.
While these regulations are a significant move towards cleaner energy, they have been met with resistance from both the coal industry and some political figures.
Despite a number of recent actions by the administration to combat climate change, young progressives are expressing frustration about the green lighting of some high-profile fossil fuel projects.

Key quote:

"Biden can't create green jobs on Monday, on Tuesday approve a big oil export project, and then expect young people to turn out in the numbers that he needs us to."

— Stevie O'Hanlon, spokesperson for the youth climate group Sunrise Movement

Why this matters:

This big regulatory push by the Biden administration reflects a delicate balancing act in addressing environmental challenges while navigating political and economic landscapes in an election year. Read more: “Stop hurting us:” Protestors plead for their health outside a Pittsburgh gathering of coal and steel execs.

www.politico.com

Coal mining operation featuring yellow rock trucks and excavators as well as one orange excavator in the center.

Credit: Dominik Vanyi/Unsplash

As Trump boosts coal, opponents warn of higher costs and more pollution

The Trump administration is using emergency powers and subsidies to keep U.S. coal plants running. Market analysts believe no coal plant closures are likely during President Donald Trump's term.

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