By Joseph Baker, May 9, 2011

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), despite significant industry and political push back, continues to press forward with its mandate to lower carbon and mercury emissions from what it calls "large emitters."  In particular, the EPA has proposed legislation that specifically targets reducing emissions from coal-fired power plants.

According to a new study released by consultant and technology services provider ICF International Inc. (NASDAQ:ICFI), the new EPA regulations and standards could result in the closure of 50 GW of coal fired plants over the next 10 years.

ICF's Q1 2011 Integrated Energy Outlook also forecasts that U.S. coal exports could double by 2018 and that rising state renewable energy mandates should escalate the price of renewable energy credits (RECs). 

Read the press release at ICF International: ICF International Integrated Energy Outlook Sees Possibility of More Than 50 GW of Coal Plant Retirements

Image Credit: jczart via Flickr

This is a cross-post from EnergyBoom.com.

EnergyBoom is a global leader in energy news information, offering expert analysis on the world economy’s transition to cleaner, more efficient and more secure sources of energy. 

Original Post: http://www.energyboom.com/emerging/united-states-study-shows-regulations-could-drastically-effect-coal-fired-power-plants