AUSTIN, Texas — Stricter new regulations announced by the Environmental Protection Agency aim to limit pollution from coal-fired power plants.
The regulations include strict controls on carbon dioxide emissions at existing and newly built natural gas plants. There were also reductions of mercury and other toxic metals and coal plants, plus reductions to toxic wastewater pollutants.
Officials say the rules will cut nearly a year's worth of emissions from the entire power sector by 2047. They could also have implications for Austin and its controversial Fayette Power Project.
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City leaders have supported getting out of the project for years and even approved shutting down its portion of the plant by the end of 2022. Despite a promise to do so, Austin Energy still has not cut ties with the plant.
According to the Texas Tribune, the coal-fired power plant in Fayette County, about 70 miles southeast of Austin, is responsible for most of Austin Energy’s remaining carbon emissions. Closing the plant to fight climate change has proven easier said than done.
In February, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said Austin Energy worked on a long-term plan to present to city leaders that he couldn't support.
"The Fayette Power Plant is our single biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions ... The plant is also a huge consumer of our limited water supply," Watson said. "I want Austin out of the coal plant that Austin Energy has co-owned with the Lower Colorado River Authority since 1979."
Watson also said there would be nothing more effective in fighting climate change than shutting down Austin's portion of the plant by January 2029.
The Texas Tribune reports there are 13 coal plants still operating in the Lone Star State. Since 2012, seven others have been fully decommissioned, and another four plants are set to retire some or all of their units before 2030.