Debunking the False Link between EPA’s Carbon Pollution Standard and Requirements in the 1970s for Sulfur Scrubbers

Over at Master Resource, I debunk the myth that EPA’s proposed Carbon Pollution Standard is no different than the agency’s sulfur dioxide mandates for new coal-fired power plants in the 1970s. This false analogy, which is being peddled by high ranking EPA officials and influential Members of Congress, is based on the mistaken assertion that sulfur “scrubber” technology then was similar in development to carbon capture and sequestration now. In fact, there were two sulfur dioxide NSPSs in the 1970s. For the first, in 1971, “wet” scrubbers were deemed “adequately demonstrated.” For the second, in 1979, “dry” scrubbers were deemed NOT to be “adequately demonstrated.” To see how scrubber technology in the 1970s actually stacks up against CCS technology, see the chart below. Read the part 1 of the post here. In part 2 of the post, I demonstrate how proponents of the Carbon Pollution Standard undercut their legal case when they make the inapt CCS-scrubber comparison.