On June 2, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its long-anticipated proposed rule targeting carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. EPA estimates that the new rule would help to reduce power-sector carbon dioxide emissions to approximately 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The EPA’s proposal assigns a specific emissions reduction goal to each state. The rule’s requirements vary significantly among states. Certain states will have to dramatically reduce their annual emissions, while nine states and the District of Columbia already meet or exceed the proposed requirements for 2030.
NSPE strongly supports a diverse, comprehensive energy portfolio to ensure long-term, reliable, secure, and environmentally responsible energy supplies at predictable and affordable costs. NSPE recognizes the value of energy sources ranging from coal, oil, and natural gas to wind, solar, and biomass.