Advocates Urge EPA to Exclude Carbon Capture, Hydrogen from Climate Rule for Natural Gas Power Plants

Environmental justice advocates are urging the EPA to omit carbon capture and hydrogen from its climate rule for existing natural gas power plants, even if it leaves some carbon reductions. The rule, which is set to be finalized early in a potential second term for President Joe Biden, limits heat-trapping pollution from existing gas generation. The coalition of advocates argued that these technologies would exacerbate pollution in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. They proposed that EPA base the standards on reductions made by co-siting with renewable power, utilizing battery storage, and other steps to boost efficiency.