- The Environmental Protection Agency is rolling back dozens of climate change restrictions on industrial power plants.
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the regulations “unfairly targeted coal-fired power plants.”
- Neighbors say they’re concerned about their health and the future of their neighborhood.
The Environmental Protection Agency is lifting dozens of climate change restrictions, including one that could affect Omaha Public Power District’s coal-fired plant in North Omaha. Neighbors express concern about their health and the future of their neighborhood.
Voices from North Omaha: Residents speak out on the coal-fired power plant and EPA climate change cuts.
The EPA terminated a $20 billion grant from the Biden Administration to combat climate change. Administrator Lee Zeldin stated in a statement to the Wall Street Journal that he intends to roll back industrial pollution regulations, claiming they unfairly targeted coal-fired power plants.
Like the North Omaha Power Station. Joe Higgins was born and raised in North Omaha, and he says air quality is a major concern.
“I was in North Omaha, and I have severe asthma.” Is this part of the problem? I am not sure, but I would not want that for my children, grandchildren, or anyone else,” Higgins said.
The Omaha Public Power District has already pushed back the deadline to stop burning coal from the end of 2023 to 2026. The Washington Post reported that these decisions were made as local power demand increased.
Anthony Rogers-Wright, a Global Center for Climate Justice advocate and neighbor in North O, believes the community has been advocating for change for many years.And now that restrictions have been eased, he is concerned that the change will be delayed again.
“These people are nothing but sacrificial lambs in order to feed out-of-town and out-of-state mega corporations like Meta and Google, and we have basically sent the signal that Nebraska and Omaha in particular are for sale with no regard on the health disparities and the health impacts of the people who have to live here, raise their children here, get old here,” according to Rogers-Wright.
U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts issued a statement regarding the upcoming changes:
“Biden’s EPA was a rogue organization. It ignored the Supreme Court’s decision and attempted to undermine our laws. It consistently outweighed the concerns of farmers, ranchers, and small business owners throughout the country. Our producers deserve clear, consistent standards, not excessive regulation. Today’s announcement demonstrates that common sense is back. “This is what unleashing American energy looks like.”
Jenna Ignowski can see the plant in her backyard. She expressed her love for her home and neighborhood, but she is concerned about the long-term health risks that could result from breathing in pollutants.
“I want it to stay beautiful and long-lasting for me and my children, and so I would love to see this plant move towards something that is more green and healthy for us all,” replied Ignowski.
KMTV contacted OPPD for a statement, and a spokesperson stated that they are working to answer our questions. We will bring those to you as soon as we get them.
