Megan Wittman, megan.wittman@sierraclub.org
Columbus, OH – In a major win for the climate and public health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized four separate standards today that will slash air, water, and carbon pollution from power plants. The standards will ensure cleaner, reliable power for Ohio and will protect the climate, health, and welfare of communities. The standards will especially address pollution from Ohio’s worst polluters, including the Gavin coal-burning plant owned by private equity firm Blackstone, the Cardinal coal-burning plant owned by Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, and the Kyger Creek coal-burning plant owned by a consortium of utilities led by American Electric Power, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, and Duke Energy.
The implementation of critically-needed safeguards aimed at improving air and water quality will indeed have significant benefits for families, especially in Ohio communities currently facing challenges related to coal plants and their associated pollutants. These safeguards will play a vital role in addressing the adverse health effects caused by emissions of mercury, toxic air pollutants, and water pollutants containing harmful substances like mercury, arsenic, and lead.
Overall, the implementation of these rules represent a crucial step forward in protecting and improving the health and well-being of Ohioans and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
These safeguards, in concert with the Inflation Reduction Act’s investments in clean energy and other public health and environmental rules from the EPA, are part of a suite of tools that will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and accelerate the transition to clean energy.
Over one million people submitted public comments on proposals to strengthen these federal standards, including thousands of Sierra Club members and supporters who urged the Administration to adopt the most protective rules possible. More information on the EPA’s rules can be found here.
In response to the announcement of the standards, Ericka Copeland, Chapter Director for Sierra Club - Ohio, released the following statement:
“This is a historic step from the Biden Administration to protect our health and our clean air and water. The days of unchecked fossil fuel power plants, which have long endangered our communities, are numbered. Everyone deserves clean air, safe water, and a stable climate.
“In Ohio, where coal-fired power plants have historically operated with less stringent regulations, these safeguards are particularly crucial. By imposing stricter controls on emissions and pollution, the new regulations can help mitigate the negative impacts on public health and the environment. Families in affected communities will experience cleaner air to breathe and safer water to drink, reducing the risks of respiratory illnesses, neurological disorders, and other health problems associated with exposure to harmful pollutants.
“Furthermore, these safeguards can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future by promoting the transition to cleaner energy sources and encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices. This transition not only protects public health but also creates opportunities for economic growth and innovation, supporting the well-being of Ohio communities in the long term.
“Today is the culmination of years of advocacy for common-sense safeguards that will have a direct impact on Ohio communities long forced to suffer in the shadow of the dirtiest power plants in the country. These new standards are the beginning of a better future.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.