EPA Unveils  “Clean Power Plan” to lay out GHG Cap and Trade Rules

On Monday June 2nd, the EPA at long-last released the draft rules for their cap and trade program for existing power plants. Called the “Clean Power Plan” this set of rules lays out guidelines for how to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants – which are the single largest source of carbon pollution in the United States.

“Climate change, fueled by carbon pollution, supercharges risks to our health, our economy, and our way of life. EPA is delivering on a vital piece of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan by proposing a Clean Power Plan that will cut harmful carbon pollution from our largest source–power plants,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “By leveraging cleaner energy sources and cutting energy waste, this plan will clean the air we breathe while helping slow climate change so we can leave a safe and healthy future for our kids. We don’t have to choose between a healthy economy and a healthy environment–our action will sharpen America’s competitive edge, spur innovation, and create jobs.”

The Plan directs states to set their own programs, within an overarching framework that sets the US on a path to to cut carbon emissions from the power sector by 30 percent nationwide below 2005 levels by 2030 (which is equal to the emissions from powering more than half the homes in the United States for one year). According to EPA estimates, this will further; cut particle pollution, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide by more than 25 percent; avoid up to 6,600 premature deaths, up to 150,000 asthma attacks in children, and up to 490,000 missed work or school days; and shrink electricity bills roughly 8 percent by increasing energy efficiency and reducing demand in the electricity system.