Large power plants, industrial boilers, and oil refineries release a lot of global warming emissions. On January 2, 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin requiring these facilities to obtain permits for these emissions. In November, the EPA released guidance about the kinds of pollution control technologies and best practices state agencies should consider when issuing these permits.

The good news is that most states already intend to comply with the EPA’s recommendations because they are practical and affordable measures—such as implementing energy efficiency improvements that can cut fuel use and save money.
 
Unfortunately, the coal and oil industries are already attacking the EPA’s guidance. If successful, they could lock us into more polluting facilities for years to come. Please urge your governor to ensure that your state complies with the EPA’s technology guidance in a way that helps put us on the path to real global warming emissions reductions.

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