# EPA Unveils Plan to Undo Obama-Era Restrictions on Coal-Fired Power Plants

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/09/rule-power-epa-plan-obama-restrictions-coal-fired/
- Published: 2018-09-11T21:46:37-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

First off, here is a statement by David Arkush, Managing Director, Public Citizen’s
Climate Program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [proposed](https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/proposal-affordable-clean-energy-ace-rule)
the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule.  This rule is the one which would remove
critical restrictions on coal-fired power plants.  If the plants “intend” to cut
[carbon emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/07/%e2%80%8bhelp-reduce-your-homes-contribution-to-carbon-emissions-with-these-simple-tips/).

# ACE RULE

Under President Donald Trump’s new plan, state governments that are captive to coal
barons will be able to force consumers to subsidize dirty, [dangerous](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/12/climate-activists-call-on-president-obama-to-cancel-fossil-fuel-auction-coinciding-with-paris-climate-talks/)
coal extraction that can’t compete on the marketplace with [natural gas](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/06/renewable-energy-cheaper-than-natural-gas/)
and renewables. Like so many of Trump’s policies, it harms the many to benefit the
few. This latest scam aims to transfer billions from the communities of people below
the poverty line to a few Trump cronies. Moreover to invite unspeakable harm to 
the U.S. by accelerating, rather than mitigating, climate change.

#### Clean Power Plan

As I wrote in 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) THEN released the 
Clean Power Plan.  It’s a rule that sets state-specific targets for carbon dioxide
emissions from existing power plants.

![Coal power plants. ACE](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2015/06/150526storynew-hires-coal.jpg?resize=780%2C513&quality=52&ssl=1)

Energy efficiency programs are generally two to three times cheaper to implement
than generating power from traditional sources, and have additional benefits, such
as lower utility bills for customers and businesses and local job creation, according
to research from ACEEE. This is confirmed in EPA economic analysis, which shows 
energy efficiency as a key element in efforts to keep the cost of today’s rule down.

In conclusion, climate catastrophe is frighteningly imminent. But we have excellent
solutions to prevent the worst if we act quickly and aggressively. The administration’s
actions are a devastating setback for the U.S. and the world. He went further to
say the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule is part of a long parade of horrors. 
Finally, he believes Trump’s efforts to boost greenhouse gas pollution stand out
as his most terrible crime against humanity.

[View this on our press page.](https://web.archive.org/web/20190917095058/https://www.citizen.org/article/press-releases-about-nejm-study-comparing-costs-in-for-profit-and-nonprofit-hospitals/)

![Coal burning fire plants ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2018/09/img_0694.jpg?resize=183%2C113&quality=52&ssl=1)

[Aug. 21, 2018](https://web.archive.org/web/20190917095058/https://www.citizen.org/article/press-releases-about-nejm-study-comparing-costs-in-for-profit-and-nonprofit-hospitals/)

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)