POLITICO Energy Why EPA’s rationale for its power plant rule may be on shaky legal ground
Jun 13, 2025
In this discussion, energy reporter Alex Guillén breaks down the Trump administration’s controversial proposed rule that exempts power plants from climate regulations. He highlights the potential legal challenges it may face and the implications for federal climate regulation. Additionally, Guillén critiques the EPA's justifications, raising questions about how these policies align with the Clean Air Act. The episode also touches on Trump's move to eliminate California's stringent vehicle emissions standards, igniting further debates on climate policy.
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EPA Rule Could Halt Climate Regulation
- The new EPA rule could stop federal climate regulation industry-wide if upheld.
- Power plants are the largest emission source, so this has far-reaching implications.
EPA's Two Pillars to Avoid Regulation
- EPA argues U.S. power plants’ 3% global emissions are insignificant.
- They claim no current technology is lawful, feasible, or cost-effective to reduce emissions significantly.
Critique of EPA's Arguments
- Critics say EPA’s global insignificance argument ignores collective impact of multiple sources.
- Legal experts argue EPA wrongly ties significance to feasibility of emissions reduction actions.