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January 7, 2021
On Jan. 4, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published two notices in the Federal Register regarding proposed consent decrees to resolve separate cases brought by United Refining Co. and co-petitioners the State of Wyoming and PacifiCorp. The agency is now soliciting public comment regarding the proposed consent decree and settlement agreement.
The EPA explained that in United Refining Co.’s lawsuit, the plaintiff filed a petition with the agency seeking a small refinery exemption from its 2019 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations pursuant to the Clean Air Act (CAA). United Refining then filed suit on Jul. 20, 2020, compelling agency action because the EPA had not yet issued a decision on its petition. The proposed consent decree would resolve the dispute by creating a mid-February deadline by which the EPA must act on the plaintiff’s request.
The coal-fired Craig Station power plant is operated by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.
Colorado air regulators won’t accelerate the closure of coal power plants after all.
On Wednesday, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission voted to reverse an earlier plan to close three coal units by 2029, a year ahead of voluntary plans from power companies. The about-face followed objections from utilities and the Colorado Energy Office, which is coordinating Gov. Jared Polis’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The move came as an immediate disappointment to environmental groups. Matt Gerhart, an attorney for the Sierra Club, said the decision shows state leaders are too hesitant to move on from coal power.