New EPA coal regulations worry Hoosiers

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN May 09, 2014 -- Indiana Daily Student, provided by UWIRE, a division of Uloop via Comtex

Coal-fired electric power plants provided 84 percent of Indiana's energy this past year. In light of a recent environmental regulation, Indiana's reliance on coal for power might have to change.

Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency issued Mercury Air Toxics Standards , which the agency said will eliminate 90 percent of mercury and acid gas released into the air by coal-fired power plants.

More than 35,000 Hoosiers have provided comment to the EPA opposing the regulation, according to a press release.

The opportunity for Hoosiers to comment on the new regulations restricting emissions ends Friday.

As many as 22 Indiana coal-fired power plants will be affected by MATS, according to the EPA. The regulations have been criticized for being economically unrealistic.

"These proposals eliminate jobs before new technologies are available to help and employ people in new greener jobs," Indianapolis resident Dennis Campbell said in a press release.

"Our state and nation are still suffering from one of the worst economic conditions in years and this is an additional tax on the very people that need help."

MATS has been controversial nationwide. In April, two states challenged the regulations in the Supreme Court, but the court ruled in favor of the EPA.

Congress has yet to approve MATS. The agency has been collecting required public input on the new requirements since January and has held listening sessions in cities such as Boston and Chicago, but not in Indiana.

While many Hoosiers are concerned about increased energy costs, the EPA said MATS will create up to $2.9 billion in health benefits in 2016.

MATS will require coal-fired power plants to use proven pollution control technologies, protecting Americans from mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel and acid gas.

"When coal is combusted, mercury is released through the plume into the atmosphere," Indiana Department of Environmental Management Branch Chief Scott Deloney said.

"Because it's a heavy metal, it will fall to ground into water bodies."

Deloney said this can lead to human consumption of mercury and other toxins, which can adversely affect brain development in children. The EPA estimates the new requirements will save 290 lives.

Some coal-fired power plants have been made to meet MATS, said Deloney, which will reduce costs on citizens in the area.

Other plants will request a rate increase from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to stay in business, which will cost taxpayers in the area.

Deloney said major coal plants such as the Duke Gibson facility have a lot of adapting to do.

"I've seen some reports of rates requested from 20 to 30 percent," Deloney said. "There are several plants throughout the Midwest that are simple shutting down simply because it's not cost feasible for them to maintain operation."

While the EPA claims pollution control technology is widely available, parties against the regulation have been skeptical.

However, Deloney said he doesn't think plants will have problems obtaining the right technology.

"It's been in practice here in Indiana for some time."

Deloney said the plants affected will need to be compliant by some time around March 2016.

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