Wednesday 24 May 2017

‘War on coal is over’, says US environment agency head

The head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met with coal state lawmakers this week, reassuring them the “war on coal is over”.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt also highlighted the changes made by the department since President Donald Trump took office as he spoke to members of the Congressional Coal Caucus.

That includes calling for a review of the Clean Power Plan and the EPA informing governors it doesn't expect the states to comply with the rule.

He also highlighted calling for a review of the final rule that amends the effluent limitations guidelines and standards for steam electric power generation under the Clean Water Act.

According to the EPA, it has been estimated to cost $480 million (£370m) a year and an average cost of $1.2 billion (£0.9bn) a year during the first five years of compliance.

The department says the new actions provide coal-producing states “more certainty and assurance”.

Mr Pruitt added: “The war on coal is over. Those that generate energy across America are doing so with a commitment to being pro-environment and pro-growth. The days of having to choose between those two things are over. This administration says we can and we will achieve both a healthy environment and a growing economy.”