Washington, D.C. — Today the Center for American Progress released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to implement the first carbon pollution standard for new power plants:
The Environmental Protection Agency’s carbon dioxide pollution reduction proposal for new power plants would finally limit harmful climate change emissions from the largest source in America.
Given its clear benefits, it is of little surprise that initial supporters of this proposal include the American Lung Association, PSEG utility, Catholics United, and tens of thousands of small businesses.
Once finalized, the “new source performance standard” for new power plants will ensure that utilities begin to employ more efficient, cleaner power generation systems. Although coal will continue to generate electricity in existing plants, it is clear that future electricity generation will rely more on new technologies, including wind, solar, and other renewable sources. The proposed rule will further expand the market for such carbon-pollution-free electricity generation, which had already been growing steadily because of sharp declines in cost.
The EPA’s proposal provides regulatory certainty for utilities so they can plan their future investments in electricity generation. Like other pollution reduction rules, it should drive investment in innovative technologies that protect public health by reducing pollution, and create jobs from the development and manufacturing of cleaner, more efficient technologies.
With growing evidence that the serious impacts of climate change are already here, President Barack Obama deserves credit for this new standard. We urge the EPA to promptly adopt and implement these new pollution reduction standards for power plants.
This is the third major executive action launched by President Obama to reduce carbon pollution. The first two were vehicle tailpipe standards that will eliminate 6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution.
To speak with CAP experts, please contact Christina DiPasquale at 202.481.8181 or [email protected].
###