THE EPA’S CARBON POLLUTION STANDARDS FOR POWER PLANTS WILL SLASH POLLUTION AND IMPROVE GRID PERFORMANCE

Big polluters want to keep us stuck on fossil fuel energy, making our electric grid unreliable. They profit, while we suffer power outages and adverse impacts from air pollution. 

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In April 2024, the EPA issued new carbon pollution limits on existing coal-fired plants and new gas plants to slash climate pollution and boost grid reliability.

With these standards in place:

  • Pollution from burning fossil fuels will be significantly reduced.

  • Reductions are projected to equal removing the annual pollution from 328 million gasoline cars.   

  • EPA projects up to $370 billion in net climate and health benefits through 2047 from these standards. 

  • These standards reduce pollution while ensuring affordable, reliable energy.

The EPA’s Carbon Pollution Standards

THE FACTS

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THE FACTS ⚡️

carbon fossil fuel pollution billowing from a coal fired power plant in America, these plants will now be subject EPA's new carbon pollution standards

  • Power plant carbon pollution standards will reduce harmful pollution.

  • The EPA has the authority under the Clean Air Act to set carbon pollution limits for power plants.

  • These standards will slash pollution from existing coal power plants and new gas power plants, leading to lower energy costs for Americans.

  • We can count on clean, renewable energy to keep the lights, heat, and AC on and meet peak demand.

chart explaining the relationship between fossil fuel dependence that leads to carbon pollution that exacerbates climate change that in turn causes extreme weather events during which demand for electricity skyrockets and often causes grid failure

Today’s grid relies on dirty fossil fuels and outdated infrastructure.

70% of transmission lines are over 25 years old. The grid is crumbling and struggles to meet current demand or withstand extreme weather events.

What makes a reliabile grid?

windmills are part of America's clean energy future. using more clean energy will boost grid reliability.

A reliable grid continues to operate under stress from unforeseen events like extreme weather and periods of high demand.

clean energy future plugged in electric vehicles less pollution better air quality EPA carbon pollution standards

Clean energy boosts reliability.

clean energy = a reliable grid

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clean energy = a reliable grid ☀️

  • Accelerating the deployment of clean energy storage will increase capacity and slash pollution.

  • Reducing climate pollution will result in less frequent extreme weather events that compromise reliability.

  • Expanding grid-scale battery storage will keep the lights on during extreme weather and peak demand hours.

  • Simple upgrades to our electricity infrastructure will deliver the power we need to meet demand.

Climate change threatens reliability

The Cost of Inaction is Real

Our outdated electricity grid is susceptible to extreme storms which regularly knock out power, disrupt energy supply chains, and cause extreme damage. 

  • In 2023, we had 28 billion-dollar storms that caused $92.9 billion in damage.

  • The U.S. is now averaging over 100 significant power outages annually, leaving people without electricity, heat, air conditioning and water.

  • The U.S. has more power outages than any other developed nation.

“Today’s electric grid is aging and is being pushed to do more than it was originally designed to do. A 21st-century grid must be flexible and smarter as our energy mix continues to change, with a focus on shifting toward sustainable renewable energy sources like solar and wind. While adding clean energy capacity, we must also secure the power system against hackers, foreign actors, and natural disasters that are becoming more frequent and extreme because of climate change.”
— U.S. Department of Energy, “Reimagining and rebuilding America’s energy grid,” June 2021.

TELL CONGRESS:

PROTECT CARBON POLLUTION STANDARDS FOR POWER PLANTS