Monday’s Clean Power Plan proposal – US guidelines for reducing carbon emissions from power plants – was released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It aims to create a better environment and spur innovation, as well as strengthen the economy. According to the EPA, its proposal can be modified and is designed to reduce carbon pollution at its largest source, which is existing US power plants. The EPA stated that if existing power plants comply with the proposal, Americans will have a healthier environment and will contribute more to halting climate change. In addition, affordable and reliable power will be available for the entire population. Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator, stated that climate change is a major threat to the health of Americans, their economy and way of living. EPA has proposed a Clean Power Plan to reduce harmful carbon emissions from the largest source of our climate pollution-power plants. This plan is a key part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan. Power plants account for about one third of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. We do not have to make a choice between an economically healthy America and a healthier environment. The United States has no limit on the amount of carbon pollution emitted from power plants. However, there is a limit for nitrogen oxides and particle pollution as well as sulfur dioxide, mercury, arsenic, and other pollutants. The EPA states that this proposal “continues on the common-sense actions laid out by President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, and the June 2013 Presidential Memorandum.” ETA Guidelines: If followed completely by 2030, the ETA guidelines will reduce power sector carbon pollution by 30% throughout the country. This is equivalent to half of the US homes being powered for six months. By more 25%., reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen pollution Prevent up to 150,000 childhood asthma attacks, up to 490,000 missed work/school days, and up to 6,600 premature deaths. Up to $93 trillion in climate-related and public health expenses can be saved. Improved energy efficiency and lower electricity demand will reduce electricity bills by approximately 8%. According to the EPA, “The Clean Power Plan” will be executed through a partnership between the states and the federal government. States are encouraged to create programs to achieve their state’s specific goals for reducing carbon emissions. Every state has the ability to create a program tailored to its specific situation. You can work together or independently to create multi-state plans. Source: EPA Fact Sheet – Clean Power Plan. The EPA today proposed a timeline that states can follow to submit their plans. These are due June 2016.. If more time is needed, there is the option to use a 2-step process. According to the EPA, states that have invested in energy efficiency programs can continue to do so during compliance. The American Wind Energy Association reminded citizens that wind power has the potential to reduce C 02 emission from power plants. AWEA stated that wind energy has contributed to a reduction in emissions for every state.
EPA’s Clean Power Plan proposes to reduce carbon emissions.
