EPA Unveils Plan To Limit Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Coal Plants

What could possibly go wrong?

The Environmental Protection Agency unveiled its proposal to limit greenhouse gases from new coal-fired power plants, setting up a battle with companies that say tougher standards require the use of costly and largely unproven technology.

The proposal, released Friday, requires new coal plants to limit their emissions to 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour, about 700 fewer pounds than most modern-day coal units. The only way to meet the standard is to use cutting-edge technology that captures carbon dioxide before it is released into the atmosphere.

The new rule is a key part of President Barack Obama's climate-change plan, announced in June. The president has said he wants to cut U.S. carbon emissions by 17% by 2020 when compared with 2005.