Kentucky’s House advances bill proposing coal-friendly emission mandates

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Kentucky regulators are trying to get ahead of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Act, limiting carbon dioxide produced by existing coal-fired power plants, with House Bill 388.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim Gooch, D-Providence, would instruct the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet to create a plan for existing power plants that sets "reasonable" and "flexible" standards for plants, according to the Herald Leader.

The Clean Air Act's Section 111(d) allows states to create plans for emission limits on existing pollution sources. However, those plans must be approved by the EPA.

Rep. Gooch co-owns a coal-mining equipment manufacturing company; clients include Alliance Resource Partners and Peabody Energy.

Gooch says EPA’s limits could force early retirements of coal-fired power plants in the state, driving up power costs.

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