U.S. extends comment period on power plant carbon rule to December

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will give the public until December to comment on its sweeping proposal to curb carbon emissions from the country's power plants for the first time, as some industry groups and state officials pressed for more time.

Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for the EPA's office of Air and Radiation, told reporters Tuesday that the agency would give stakeholders another 45 days - and a total of six months - to give input on its plan to cut emissions from existing power plants.

"We hope this additional time will give those entities wishing to submit comments the time they need to engage with us, ask questions and ultimately provide input that will help ensure that, in the end, this plan is practical, flexible, and achievable," she said.

McCabe said the delay would not affect the agency's deadline to finalize the proposed rule by June 2, 2015.

A number of lawmakers from coal-reliant states sensitive to curbs on carbon emissions had called on the EPA for as much as an extra 120 days to comment.

(Reporting By Valerie Volcovici)