Map Shows States With Most Coal Plants as EPA May Repeal Major Climate Rule

A map created by Newsweek reveals the states with the most coal plants as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may repeal a significant Biden-era climate rule as early as Monday. This rule, proposed last year, targets greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants, coinciding with warnings from the United Nations about escalating climate change due to global warming.

President Donald Trump has voiced support for coal and other fossil fuel industries. If the rule change is approved, it could eliminate considerable costs for the industry and "unleash" American energy. This is not the first major EPA alteration this year; in February, the EPA rescinded its 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, making engine and vehicle manufacturers no longer responsible for measuring, controlling, or reporting greenhouse gas emissions for vehicles. Newsweek contacted the EPA by email on Monday for further information.

Domestic coal consumption has decreased over the past two decades due to a shift toward renewable energy, yet the United States remains among the top global coal producers. According to Cleanview data, there are over 200 coal-powered plants in the country. Pennsylvania leads with 13 plants, followed by Indiana and Texas, each with 12. Several states, such as Idaho, Oregon, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine, have no reported facilities.

If the greenhouse gas emissions limit change is enacted, the states with the highest concentration of coal plants may experience the most significant health impacts, particularly in Appalachia and the Ohio Valley, according to Center for Climate and Energy Solutions President Nathaniel Keohane. However, the global climate effects would be far-reaching and affect everyone.

Despite some energy experts' concerns, the American Coal Council has endorsed the EPA's proposal, describing it as an essential step to maintain a reliable, affordable, and secure electric grid. Coal is acknowledged as a dependable source of baseload power, supplying round-the-clock electricity that supports homes, businesses, manufacturers, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.

While the proposed EPA change could lower electricity production costs, it also entails downsides, as Bryan Hubbell, a senior fellow at Resources for the Future and former national program director at EPA's Office of Research and Development, warned. The rollback may exacerbate air quality issues, potentially leading to tens of thousands of premature deaths, hospital and emergency department visits, and millions of asthma exacerbations.

The proposal has drawn backlash from energy industry experts who are concerned about health issues and global warming.

Keohane emphasized that carbon emissions from power plants significantly contribute to climate change and criticized the EPA for disregarding sound science and economics. The American Coal Council contends that surging electricity demand is the reason why coal remains vital to America's energy sector. Maintaining a diverse energy portfolio is crucial for economic competitiveness and national energy security, according to the council's CEO, Emily Arthun.

Coal's ongoing role in ensuring grid reliability, especially during extreme weather, peak demand, and other challenging conditions, is vital. The American Coal Council stresses that reliable baseload power is crucial for American citizens' well-being and the economy's strength.