Gas plant permits still include EPA carbon rules despite planned repeal, state approaches vary

State regulators continue to include EPA carbon rules in permits for new gas-fired power plants, even though the agency plans to repeal those rules. The Biden-era greenhouse gas standards remain legally in effect until the repeal is finalized, so states must enforce them when issuing operating permits. How states apply the rules differs, with some that sued to stop the rules still requiring compliance plans from fossil fuel generators. Miles Keogh of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies noted that the law on the books is what must be followed. This creates a patchwork of enforcement across states, with some sticking closely to the federal standards while others may interpret them more loosely. The situation highlights the tension between federal rulemaking and state implementation in air quality regulation for power plants. The article is relevant for anyone tracking carbon policy, power plant emissions, and the practical effects of regulatory changes on new gas generation projects. It shows that even planned rule changes do not immediately alter permitting requirements on the ground.