On April 9, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced specific mercury and air toxics standards for six small coal-refuse power plants in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

EPA said these coal-refuse power plants are an important source of reliable energy, a key economic driver in the rural communities where they are located, and a proven method for turning waste into a usable source of power while at the same time remediating a longstanding environmental threat.

The coal refuse plants in Pennsylvania affected by this rule are-- Colver Power Project, Cambria County; Ebensburg Power, Cambria County; and Scrubgrass Generating Company Units 1 and 2, Venango County.

“While fixing this technical issue proved too complex or insignificant for the Obama-Biden Administration, President Trump has made clear that using environmental regulations to put our energy industry or rural communities out of business is not acceptable,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “By establishing this new sub-category, EPA has put in place achievable emissions standards that will save hundreds of jobs and preserve coal-refuse recycling operations that have become an important part of local environmental goals. Balancing environmental progress alongside economic prosperity is not only a win-win, but also how the Clean Air Act was designed to work.”

“This EPA rule will allow coal refuse facilities across Pennsylvania to remain operational, saving good paying jobs in the process,” said Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA). “This is a fight I led in the Senate for several years. I appreciate the willingness of Administrator Wheeler and his staff to work with my office on this important matter.”

“Pennsylvania’s energy economy relies on clean coal, and I appreciate the EPA’s action to overturn these Obama-era these regulations and support our local community, helping PA families and provide relief for our local coal miners,” said Congressman John Joyce (R-PA). “We know that America’s energy grid security is dependent on a wide range of sources, and the coronavirus crisis has reinforced the importance of domestic energy production. The EPA is taking an important step strengthen America’s energy independence.” 

“Given Pennsylvania’s history, refuse plants are reclaiming our lands and cleaning up the environment. This will save jobs in rural areas of the commonwealth while also providing energy. EPA made the right call to keep these facilities operating and working for Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA).

“Thank you to the EPA for establishing a new emissions standard for coal-refuse power plants, which will help us turn more waste into affordable energy for American families,” said Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA). “Making it easier to remove coal-refuse from Pennsylvania communities will not only produce energy, however. It will also allow landowners to create more parks, nature areas, and address other community needs.  Once again, the Trump Administration took decisive action to end the Obama era war on coal and in doing so, is helping coal country, and America, in more ways than one.”

            EPA said the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for coal- and oil- fired EGUs were promulgated on February 16, 2012.  MATS established acid gas emission standards for all coal-fired power plants.

EPA reevaluated the data available when the 2012 MATS rule was established, in addition to data generated since promulgation of that rule, and has determined that there are differences in the acid gas hazardous air pollutant emissions from EGUs firing EBCR and those firing other types of coal (including those firing other types of coal refuse, such as anthracite coal refuse).

In a February 7, 2019 proposal, EPA solicited comment on establishing a subcategory of certain existing EGUs firing EBCR for emissions of acid gas HAP. After evaluating comments and data provided in response to the proposal, EPA has concluded that such a subcategory and corresponding acid gas HAP emission standards are warranted.

Click Here for the formal federal register notice on this action.

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4/13/2020