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Briefing
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- Stricter Air Pollutants Regulation – New approved regulations will force coal power plants in Europe to cut amount of toxic pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, mercury, and particulate matter emitted by 2021
- Existing Emissions Directive – EU’s industrial emissions directive implemented in 2011 sets limits for amount of pollutants emitted by large combustion plants
- Lenient Implementation – Exemptions allowed more than half of Europe’s coal power plants to exceed limits for air pollutants, with one plant in Wales emitting double amount of nitrogen oxide allowed
- Significant Coal Plants Emissions – Large combustion plants make up 46% of sulfur dioxide, 18% of nitrogen oxide, 39% of mercury, and 4% of dust emitted in Europe
- Potential to Save Lives – Could save more than 20,000 lives annually, with air pollution a main environmental cause of premature death in Europe, according to Enrico Brivio speaking for European Commission
- Opposition to New Rules – Countries, such as Poland, Bulgaria, Germany, and Czech Republic, which are dependent on coal, oppose new rules
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