Indeed, the new rules are more likely to lead to job creation as industries shift to adopt cleaner technologies and develop renewable energy sources. And U.S. emissions reductions could well be offset by increases in Asia.
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The final rule establishes guidelines for states to follow in developing and implementing their plans, including requirements that vulnerable communities have a seat at the table with other stakeholders. He adds that Consumers is already working to shut down its older coal plants and shift its focus onto renewable energy.
Under the plan, the administration will require states to meet specific carbon emission reduction standards, based on their individual energy consumption.
“Even those Americans who are skeptical of climate change ought to support the EPA’s new plan”.
Thanks to Obama’s Clean Power Plan announced earlier this week, each state in the US has been charged with plotting a way to a cleaner energy future.
The rule was promulgated under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), which was enacted in 1970 with a focus on health-hazardous air pollutants such as nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxide.
In some of the states that rely less on coal-fired electricity, such as sun-soaked Nevada and hydroelectric rich Oregon, officials expressed their support and said they were well-positioned to comply. States that don’t create a plan could be subject to a federal one.
Power stations account for 40% of US emissions of carbon dioxide.
Moreover, kilowatts from intermittent renewables are not as valuable as kilowatts from dependable coal, gas, hydro or nuclear power plants. Today marks the end of an era for dirty power plants that have spewed risky pollution into our air without limits for too long..
Congress members are joining business, religious and environmental leaders in pushing for President Barack Obama’s “Clean Power Plan“, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
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Masuca said it is unclear just how the new regulations will affect ratepayers, and said potential lawsuits could come as a result of the regulations that could either stall or force changes in the rules. “Kentucky’s Energy and Environment Cabinet anticipated an emissions rate of 1,763 pounds per Megawatt-hour by 2030, but EPA is now mandating 1,286 pounds per MWh by the same year”. In the interim, state environmental and energy agencies and regulated entities will explore compliance options.
