Feds to require large facilities to reduce carbon emissions

The federal government says it will require large facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The rules apply to some of the biggest greenhouse gas producers including power plants, refineries, taconite processing plants, and big factories.

They'll be required to show they're using the best-available technologies to reduce their emissions.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is preparing to enforce the rules. The agency's Barbara Jean Conti says reducing a plant's energy use or switching to low-carbon fuels would likely meet the standards.

"You can also look at the cost-effectiveness, so there might be a very effective solution but it's very costly, they're not obligated to pick the high-cost solution," Conti says. "They can present their big picture about the right solution for their business based on both the reductions achieved and the costs."

Several groups have already threatened to sue over the new rules, which go into effect starting in January.

The rules will apply to about 50 operations in Minnesota.

Conti says the rules will apply to sources that create about two-thirds of the nation's greenhouse gasses.

The rules kick in when a new plant is built, or an existing plant is modified, or an operating permit expires.