EPA greenhouse gas rollback could worsen Pima County air pollution as Arizona builds more gas plants
kold.comEPA has repealed the 2024 power plant rule that required new gas and coal plants to control carbon emissions through carbon capture. The agency says the move saves more than $300 billion and lowers energy costs. Opponents say it removes the only federal carbon standard for new gas plants in Arizona and across the country. Pima County already gets a failing grade for ozone from the American Lung Association. Ground-level ozone is made worse by heat and emissions from cars and power plants. With data center demand pushing more gas generation in Arizona, experts say the rollback could add pollution on top of an existing problem. State regulators say separate rules for conventional air pollutants remain in place. Tucson Electric Power says it still expects to meet its 2050 net zero goal. The practical question is whether new gas plants built before that date will ever face a carbon limit.