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EPA estimates increase in premature deaths from new coal regulations

A coal power plant with the sun shining.
Emissions from a coal fired power plant in Utah. Photo: George Frey/Getty Images

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there would be between 470 and 1,400 additional premature annual deaths by 2030 under its new coal plant regulations.

The details: The estimate comes in the EPA's proposal for governing coal-burning power plants. The particles are part of particulate pollution (PM 2.5) that is emitted from coal-burning plants; the EPA says on its website that these can cause things like asthma, decreased lung function, and "premature death in people with heart or lung disease."

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The administration's plan differs from the Obama administration's Clean Power plan, which would have reduced greenhouse gas emissions from power plants by up to 32% by 2030.

  • The administration says their plan will "achieve many of the benefits sought by the Obama administration but in a way that is legal and allows states greater flexibility," the NYT reports.
  • Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said, per The Times: "Today’s proposal provides the states and regulated community the certainty they need to continue environmental progress while fulfilling President Trump’s goal of energy dominance."

The EPA's full report:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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