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Fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs) are the nation’s second largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution. In May 2023, EPA proposed to set limits for new gas-fired combustion turbines, existing coal, oil and gas-fired steam generating units, and certain existing gas-fired combustion turbines. Consistent with EPA’s traditional approach to establishing pollution standards for power plants under section 111 of the Clean Air Act, the proposed standards are based on technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CCS), low-GHG hydrogen co-firing, and natural gas co-firing, which can be applied directly to power plants that use fossil fuels to generate electricity. As laid out in section 111 of the Clean Air Act, the proposed new source performance standards (NSPS) and emission guidelines reflect the application of the best system of emission reduction (BSER) that, taking into account costs, energy requirements, and other statutory factors, is adequately demonstrated for the purpose of improving the emissions performance of the covered electric generating units. 

 EPA anticipates promulgating final rules by spring 2024. 

Statement of Need:

New EGUs are a significant source of GHG emissions. This action will evaluate options to reduce those emissions.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Clean Air Act section 111(b) provides the legal framework for establishing greenhouse gas emission standards for new electric generating units.

Alternatives:

EPA evaluated several options for reducing GHG emissions from new EGUs including carbon capture and sequestration/storage (CCS), low-GHG hydrogen co-firing, natural gas co-firing, efficient generation, and use of clean fuels.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

Undetermined.

Risks:

Undetermined.