ARCHIVED INSIGHTS
- 2009
- 2008
INSIGHTS / THE VIEW
Power Plants and Greenhouse Gases
Part 2 - Initiatives
August 1, 2008
Greenhouse gas legislation has been implemented in certain states, and appears imminent in other parts of the country. Many State Governors have formed regional groups and are in the process of developing and implementing regulations. On the Federal level, Senators from California and Connecticut have proposed bills before the Senate, but failed to garner sufficient backing to move forward. In addition, approximately one year ago the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act in response to a suit brought by several states against the EPA for not regulating greenhouse gases in the transportation sector. This ruling has subsequently been cited in several permitting appeals for power plants. However, the EPA and the Executive Branch rejected regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, asserting the Act was ill-suited to handle greenhouse gas emissions. Amidst all this regulatory activity and uncertainty, it is difficult for power companies to plan for the future.
