Germany to weaken emissions rules for power plants

Germany is planning to weaken regulations for power plant greenhouse gas emissions that were expected to close numerous coal-fired plants.

The country’s economy ministry is now planning to require coal plant operators to reduce their emissions by 16 million metric tons by 2020, compared with the previous coal of 22 million metric tons, Reuters reports.

{mosads}Coal unions and utilities had fought the rules, saying they could threaten 100,000 jobs and force the closure of all of the country’s lignite coal-fired plants. Workers protested in Berlin last month against the standards.

The regulations are part of Germany’s goal of cutting its greenhouse gases 40 percent by 2020, compared with 1990 levels.

The proposal would have put fees on carbon emissions from the oldest power plants above certain allowances.

Now, the country wants to increase those allowances, Reuters said, citing a document it obtained from regulators.

Officials hope to make up the difference in carbon reductions by encouraging the use of more energy-efficient power plants.

The new rules have yet to be approved by the office of Chancellor Angela Merkel.