Ensuring a Clean, Modern Electric Generating Fleet while Maintaining Electric System Reliability (2010 version)

August 2010

In this paper we highlight the impact of EPA’s upcoming air regulations, with a focus on the issue of possible power plant retirements on electric reliability. We conclude that, without threatening electric reliability, the industry is well-positioned to respond to EPA’s proposed road map to “help millions of Americans breathe easier, live healthier,” provided that EPA, the industry and other agencies take practical steps to plan for the implementation of these regulations and adopt appropriate regulatory approaches. This is the first version; a later revision was released in Summer 2011.