By Seth Helton
Murray, KY – New EPA regulations affecting coal-fired power plants could mean higher Tennessee electric bills. Regulations finalized in July require Tennessee and 26 other states to cut emissions effecting air quality in downwind states. Plants must also reduce pollutants linked to cancer. Tennessee relies on coal for more than half of its electricity. The Tennessee Valley Authority reports spending over five and quarter billion dollars on emission control last year and expects to spend almost 4 billion to meet new federal regulations.