EPA Approval of New Power Plants: Failure to Address Global Warming Pollutants

This hearing examined the implications of the Environmental Protection Agency’s refusal to consider the global warming effects of a coal-fired power plant’s greenhouse gas emissions in a recent permitting decision. The hearing provided an opportunity for EPA to explain its position and current plans for addressing greenhouse gas emissions. Regulators and experts testified about the effects of EPA’s decisions, as well as how EPA could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new stationary sources. During the hearing, Chairman Waxman announced plans to introduce a moratorium on the approval of new coal-fired power plants.

A preliminary transcript of this hearing is now available.

The following witnesses will testify:

Panel I:

• The Honorable Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency

Panel II:

• Mr. Ron Curry, Secretary, New Mexico Environment Department
• Mr. David Doniger, Policy Director, Climate Center, Natural Resources Defense Council
• Dr. Daniel M. Kammen, Director, Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley
• Mr. John Cline, Partner, Troutman Sanders LLP