The EPA logo. Photo: Robert Alexander/Getty Images
The Environmental Protection Agency will propose a replacement regulation as soon as next week for President Obama's signature climate-change rule, reports Timothy Gardner of Reuters.
Why it matters: The rule's original goal was to cut carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants 32% by 2030 based on 2005 emission levels, and was the cornerstone of Obama's pledge in the Paris climate deal. President Trump's replacement has been anticipated for many months and is said to be less stringent and will grant states the ability to write their own individual regulations.
Between the lines: Per Axios' Amy Harder: Issuing a replacement rule, however less stringent than the original, is an important tacit acknowledgement by the Trump administration that legal precedent requires such a regulation and that the government has a responsibility to address climate change. This comes despite repeated comments by Trump officials, including Thursday by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, dismissing humans' role in rising temperatures.