The Clean Power Plan (CPP), finalized in 2015, aimed to slash emissions from the power sector 32% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Power plants emit nearly one-third of greenhouse gases in the U.S.

Under the plan, states were to develop implementation plans for existing power plants to meet emissions standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If they did not, EPA would develop a plan for them. EPA chief Scott Pruitt on October 10, 2017 signed a proposed rule to repeal the CPP. This revocation does not alter the favorable economics for natural gas based-loaded power plants.

Natural gas plants are inherently less expensive to build as these units do not require coal storage, handling and pollution control (air and waste) systems. The levelized cost of coal vs. natural gas units includes operating cost (labor and debt service) and 50% for the fuel cost component.

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http://naturalgasnow.org/revoking-clean-power-plan-will-let-natural-gas-win/