Boulder Asks EPA To Withdraw Weakened Emissions Standards Plan

BOULDER, CO -- The City of Boulder is demanding that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency withdraw a proposal that would weaken federal standards limiting greenhouse gas emissions from new, modified and reconstructed coal-fired power plants. According to a City news release, Boulder has joined a coalition that includes 19 state district attorneys and several city governments in making the demand.

The coalition warns that finalizing the EPA's proposal could increase carbon dioxide pollution contributing to climate change by weakening current requirements that new power plants minimize their emissions.

The coalition's arguments against the proposal state that it is in violation of the Clean Air Act, that it ignores associated increased environmental harms, that the EPA has provided an inaccurate accounting of the costs of meeting the previous 2015 emissions standards, and that the EPA has not allowed appropriate opportunities for public comment.

"Boulder has signed on to this letter because, as the home of world-class climate scientists and concerned citizens, we agree emissions standards should not be weakened,” said Senior Sustainability Policy Advisor Jonathan Koehn in a news release. “Climate change and the health effects of carbon pollution are urgent threats. We must not allow the EPA to move forward with this dangerous proposal, and we are proud to stand with this coalition."