Coal fired power plants supply approximately 40 percent of the electricity generated in the United States, but also contribute 80 percent of the power sector’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
In June 2013 President Obama directed EPA to complete CO2 emission standards for new and existing power plants by June 1, 2015. In September, 2013 EPA proposed standards for new power plants under Section 111(b) of the Clean Air Act. In June 2014,EPA is expected to propose standards and guidelines for existing power plants under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act, which will become effective one year later, in June 2015.
Major coal producing regions of the country and states served by electric utilities relying heavily on coal fired generation potentially will bear disproportionate adverse impacts from the EPA’s regulation of CO2 emissions. At the same time, EPA’s rules are expected to provide a number of compliance options for states in achieving the CO2 emission standards. This conference will examine pending EPA regulation under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act and explore the policy frameworks available to states for developingCO2 emission reduction strategies for existing power plants.
Panelists will discuss compliance options likely to be made available to states,
potential impacts on the power sector as well as the broader economic implications
of the EPAregulations for coal-producing regions.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) will deliver the keynote address.
The luncheon speaker will be Charles Patton, President and Chief Operating
Officer of Appalachian Power.