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Coal regulations a job killer?

Posted at 6:49 PM, Apr 05, 2012
and last updated 2012-04-05 18:52:18-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - The EPA standards for industrial pollution are changing, and that will likely affect Virginia in more ways than one.

On the heels of an Obama administration announcement that power plants will see carbon emission standards tightened- substantially- supporters and opponents of the new regulations are quickly chiming in.

Environmental and parent groups, including the League of Conservation Voters, have just launched a million-dollar ad campaign praising the changes for improving air quality for children, and reducing asthma attacks in the long-run.

Virginia’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, on the other hand, told CBS 6 Thursday that the new policy will cripple business in poorer, more rural parts of the state, where coal-fired power plants factor significantly into the local economy.

Under the EPA regulations, which call for sharper standards for all new plants, coal-powered stations that produce greater emissions will likely be phased out.

Sam Brock takes a look at the issue in this report.