Regulating CO2 emissions from coal plants, under the authority of the Clean Air Act, is the biggest thing Obama can do to combat climate change without congressional action. This article from Grist.org provides a useful overview of what may be included in new climate protection rules for existing power plants that are expected to be announced by the President on June 2, 2014. While the details are not yet public, heres the short version of what we can expect: The rules will be complex, phased in over time, and take into account the different energy mix that exists in different states and regions. Its likely that states will have to meet new carbon standards as an average across their entire utility fleet, rather than at each power plant. States and utilities will have significant flexibility in how they meet the standards. It is expected that some states will refuse to develop their own plans for meeting the new rules. In those cases, a plan will be determined by the EPA. (Kentuckys legislature passed a law earlier this year that basically guarantees we will be among the states that refuse to create a plan that complies with the new standards.) Of course, we can also expect an intense outcry following this announcement, especially from coal interests and many politicians and candidates. The noise level is already rising. Over the next few weeks KFTC will work to share information that helps our members and supporters communicate with confidence about climate change and these proposed rules. Well share ideas about the opportunity Kentucky has to create good new jobs and help our people save money by investing in energy efficiency and clean renewables. And well do our best to keep you informed about opportunities to make your voice heard. Please let us know what questions you have. Well do our best to address them in this space and elsewhere.
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 21:10:42 +0000
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