The increasing concentrations of emissions in the atmosphere are worsening air pollution and reducing the amount of fresh air to breathe. How does the U.S. solve this problem that’s contributing to climate change?
Over the last 10 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created and implemented regulations to moderate emissions. Take a closer look at these policies.
Contents
- 1 2014: Changed Fuel Standards
- 2 2015: Modified Emission Standards on Power Plants
- 3 2016: Updated Standards of Performance for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills
- 4 2017: Proposed Repealing the Clean Power Plan
- 5 2018: Issued the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule
- 6 2019: Enacted the Affordable Clean Energy Rule
- 7 2020: Submitted the 2020 Policy Rule
- 8 2021: Issued a Rule to Reduce Hydrofluorocarbons
- 9 2022: Proposed the HFC Allocation Framework Rule
- 10 2023: Set New Carbon Dioxide Standards
- 11 2024: Developed the Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027
- 12 Refining Environmental Policies to Create a Healthier Planet
2014: Changed Fuel Standards
In 2014, the EPA moderated the amount of sulfur in fuel. The previous 30 parts per million was reduced to an average of 10 parts per million to minimize emissions. The agency expected this move would considerably cut down nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other air toxins. By 2030, when most vehicles will have met these standards, the agency projects nitrogen oxide and VOCs to decrease by 21% and carbon monoxide to diminish by 24%.
The emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) has boosted fuel quality and lowered road pollution. Tesla unveiled its first-ever all-electric Roadster in 2008. By 2014, a few of its zero-emission models were on the road. Thanks to other EV automakers, transportation emissions have been effectively contained.
2015: Modified Emission Standards on Power Plants
EPA amended the protocols for power plants in 2015. It released standards for:
- Newly built, modified and reconstructed power plants
- Existing power plants
President Obama prompted the agency to announce guidelines limiting carbon pollution from these businesses. In response, the EPA demanded that newly built, modified and reconstructed power plants use the best available technology to moderate their environmental footprint. One example is using supercritical pulverized coal utility boilers with built-in carbon capture and storage. This innovation improved the operation efficiency of fossil fuel-fired power plants while minimizing their pollution.
The EPA released the Clean Power Plan (CPP) for existing power plants. It consisted of benchmarks for generation shifting, which is the switch from coal-fired power plants to natural gas, wind, solar and other clean options.
2016: Updated Standards of Performance for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills
Landfills are a major source of air pollution. In 2016, the agency changed the fundamentals of performance for municipal solid waste landfills. A notable final modification is the need for a gas collection and control system (GCC) if a specific capacity is reached.
The rule stated that landfills would retain a waste threshold of 2.5 million megagrams and 2.5 million cubic meters. If the limit was exceeded, landfill operators would install a GCC to address emissions. However, they could skip it if they could control their surface emissions below 500 parts per million for four consecutive quarters.
2017: Proposed Repealing the Clean Power Plan
The CPP was based on section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. It laid the criteria for controlling emissions on existing power plants. After a thorough review, the EPA believed some legal interpretations did not adhere to the Clean Air Act. It also went beyond the agency’s legal authority.
The EPA suggested amendments that were parallel with the Act’s text, structure, purpose and legislative history. This way, efforts would be consistent with overall standards.
2018: Issued the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule
SAFE was created to amend the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). CAFE set the benchmarks for optimizing fuel economy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which regulated it, believed using gasoline appropriately could help curtail air toxins.
The EPA recommended modifying parts of CAFE, particularly the policies on tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions, the use or leakage of refrigerants, and the average fuel economy. This petition resulted in SAFE, which consisted of new standards for passenger cars and light trucks. These regulations would increase stringency by 1.5% yearly for vehicles made from 2021 through 2026.
This push to shrink emissions later prompted innovations in industries beyond automotive. For instance, heavy equipment manufacturers started to invest in electric, hybrid and alternative fuel technology. An electricity-operated machine is now a more viable option because of its sustainable features. Battery technology has also created electric excavators, bulldozers and loaders.
2019: Enacted the Affordable Clean Energy Rule
The Affordable Clean Energy Rule (ACE) replaced the Clean Power Plan (CPP). ACE outlined the guidelines that adhere more to the Clean Air Act. It detailed comprehensive advice on what states must do to shrink emissions and provide citizens with affordable and diverse electric supplies.
Experts projected the implementation of ACE will lower these emissions by 2030:
- Carbon dioxide by 11 million short tons
- Sulfur dioxide by 5,700 tons
- Nitrogen oxide by 7,100 tons
- Particulate matter by 400 tons
- Mercury by 59 pounds
The agency projected emissions to fall 35% below 2005 levels.
2020: Submitted the 2020 Policy Rule
The EPA initiated the 2020 Policy Rule to enhance the oil and gas companies’ compliance with environmental objectives. It was a petition to revise the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS).
The NSPS were regulations that control emissions in the oil and gas industry. The EPA identified compliance obstacles and issued two final rules to change some aspects of NSPS. It hoped this alteration would make it easy for companies to adhere to the guidelines. The EPA proposed the following summaries:
- Rescind standards on volatile organic compounds and methane emission
- Improve technical aspects of the 2016 NSPS to enhance compliance
Approving the rule would increase atmospheric emission levels again, so President Biden later disapproved it by signing a resolution in 2021.
2021: Issued a Rule to Reduce Hydrofluorocarbons
On September 23, 2021, the EPA announced another policy to stop hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) production and use by 85% in the next 15 years. Hydrofluorocarbons are potent greenhouse gases often used in the following:
- Refrigeration
- Fire suppression
- Air conditioning
- Aerosols
- Semiconductor manufacturing
Their impact is 700 times stronger than that of 1 kilogram of carbon dioxide. They accelerate climate change, a concern the agency desperately wanted to solve. For this purpose, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) of 2020 was created. It was legalized on December 27, 2020, and mandated the phasedown of HFCs by 85% by 2036. This Act authorized the EPA to implement measures necessary to address HFCs’ problems.
2022: Proposed the HFC Allocation Framework Rule
The EPA developed the HFC Allocation Framework Rule to follow up on the previous year’s target of eliminating HFCs. This allowance and allocation program aimed to stop HFC production and use and their effect on the environment.
The AIM Act provided the formula for setting the baselines. Here are the caps.
- 90% of baseline levels from 2022-2023
- 60% of baseline levels from 2024-2028
- 30% of baseline levels from 2029-2033
- 20% of baseline levels from 2034-2035
- 15% of baseline levels from 2036 and after
The parameters were determined using the three highest years of HFC production and consumption between 2011 and 2019. These figures — also called calendar-year allowance — would be valid between January 1 and December 31 of any given year.
2023: Set New Carbon Dioxide Standards
The EPA wanted to secure climate change benefits by limiting carbon pollution for new gas-fired turbines and coal and steam generating units. If implemented successfully, the agency project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.38 billion metric tons in 2047. It will also significantly lower the impact of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide on the environment.
2024: Developed the Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027
On March 20, 2024, the agency established stricter regulations to further lessen light- and medium-duty vehicle emissions. The protocols were based on prior greenhouse gas emission standards set for light trucks and passenger cars. They will apply to vehicle models years 2027 through 2032.
Refining Environmental Policies to Create a Healthier Planet
These rules are critical in ensuring the planet stays sustainable. Emissions pose a threat to human health. These changes are challenging for companies, but their participation will be what moves the needle on the EPA’s sustainable goals.