EPA issues standards proposal for new power plants

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Friday proposed creating new standards for power plants to combat pollution and climate change.

The EPA proposed the Clean Air Act standards, aimed at cutting carbon pollution from new power plants.

Under the proposal, new power plants would be built using available clean technology to limit carbon pollution.

The EPA said it has reached out to state, tribal and local governments, industry and labor leaders, non-profits, and others to establish carbon pollution standards for older power plants to help reduce carbon emissions.

A proposal of standards for existing power plants will be issued by the EPA by June 1, 2014.

"Climate change is one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. By taking commonsense action to limit carbon pollution from new power plants, we can slow the effects of climate change and fulfill our obligation to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our children," EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said. "These standards will also spark the innovation we need to build the next generation of power plants, helping grow a more sustainable clean energy economy."