EPA

The U.S. Supreme Court has limited the federal government’s ability to regulate CO2 emissions from power plants, in a case brought by Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.

In 2016, the EPA advised that exposure to certain synthetic chemicals known as PFAS be limited to 70 parts per trillion. On Wednesday, the EPA lowered that guidance to under 1 part per trillion.

Individual recipients include the Fayette and Lewis county commissions, the Morgantown Utility Board, the Paden City Development Authority and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

A weedkiller called dicamba has caused a split in otherwise tight-knit farm communities. In Arkansas, where initially there had been tight restrictions over its use, some farmers successfully pushed to expand its use. Yet others claim that the weedkiller may be damaging the habitat of the “Natural State.”

The money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also will be used to promote environmental justice and counter climate change. It is part of $238 million targeted for the Chesapeake Bay region over five years under the infrastructure law.

As expected, the EPA’s plans will encourage the growth of natural gas and renewables and discourage the continued use of coal to make electricity.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey brought the case, along with 17 other states, challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants under the Clean Air Act.

West Virginia's attorney general is leading a coalition of states challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions.

With higher natural gas prices and rising demand for electricity, coal is on the rebound. But next year, there are signs coal will continue to decline.

West Virginia ratepayers will be responsible for covering the $448 million cost of upgrading the plants to keep them in line with Environmental Protection Agency regulations.