Administration Puts Forward 'Affordable Clean Energy' Rule to Replace Clean Power Plan

On Tuesday, the EPA formally announced plans to replace the Clean Power Plan with the “Affordable Clean Energy” rule, which would give states the authority to decide how much to cut emissions. It will also allow existing coal fired plants to avoid installing modern pollution controls. The public will have 60 days to submit comments before the rule is finalized.

President Trump touted the new plan in a rally in Charleston, West Virginia Tuesday night. But the rollback on environmental regulations could be responsible for an increase in 1,400 deaths annually, according to the proposal. And with coal plants closing across the United States, can this change save a hurting industry?

James M. Van Nostrand is a Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Energy and Sustainable Development at West Virginia University College of Law.