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SALT LAKE CITY -- Electricity rates nationwide could go up from 2 to 60 percent due to new proposed Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
In March, the EPA announced new rules, which target emissions of mercury, lead and other pollutants that often come from coal-fired power plants.
But trying to retrofit coal power plants to meet the new guidelines will be costly. The Deseret News cites many reports in which energy companies say these changes could increase energy costs by as much as 60 percent in some states.
Those in favor of the new rules say the cleaner air will save thousands of lives over the long run, bring $140 billion in health benefits and create jobs as companies build new plants or update older ones.
But the energy companies paint the opposite picture. They say they're not being given enough time to retrofit the plants. They predict many plants will end up closing, which would drive up the price of power and put people out of work.
The issue is expected to generate more debate and has created more questions about the authority of the EPA and its ability to mandate rules.
E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com
