EPA Delays Part Of Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is delaying part of its plan to restrict carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

The state of Wisconsin and Wisconsin manufacturers were among the many parties that raised concerns about the federal climate change proposals announced last year. Republicans in Washington, D.C. are threatening to halt the power plant rules using congressional review powers.

EPA official Janet McCabe said the delay is not an effort to slow the GOP.

“This is all about the best policy outcome and the appropriate policy outcome for this set of really important environmental and public health standards,” said McCabe. “That’s what we’re talking about here, that’s how we’re planning our work, and that’s why we think it’s important to finalize these rules in the same timeframe.”

McCabe said the delay is just for carbon dioxide rules covering new power plants. She said the EPA wants to take final action this summer on limits for new plants, modified plants and longtime facilities. McCabe also said the EPA is also reaching out to more states to help them finish plans for putting the pollution cuts into effect.