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What You Need to Know About the Clean Power Plan

Thu, 08/13/2015 - 01:18

Last week, President Obama announced the new Clean Power Plan – the biggest step the United States has taken to combat climate change by addressing carbon pollution from power plants.

What is the Clean Power Plan?

The Clean Power Plan sets achievable state-by-state goals to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. States can achieve these goals by turning to proven, cost-effective energy efficiency strategies, including those through the ENERGY STAR program.

Why do we need it?

Carbon pollution is the biggest driver of climate change and taking action now is critical. As of now there is no regulation to limit the amount of carbon pollution emitted from power plants, the nation’s largest source of carbon pollution, making up roughly one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the benefits?

Protect the health of American families. In 2030, it will:

  • Prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths
  • Prevent 1,700 non-fatal heart attacks
  • Prevent 90,000 asthma attacks in children
  • Prevent 300,000 missed workdays and schooldays

Boost our economy by:

  • Leading to 30 percent more renewable energy generation in 2030
  • Creating tens of thousands of jobs
  • Continuing to lower the costs of renewable energy

Save the average Americans family:

  • Nearly $85 a year on their energy bills in 2030
  • Save enough energy to power 30 million homes in 2030
  • Save consumers $155 billion from 2020-2030

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy discussed the new plan with Al Roker and Stephanie Abrams on Wake Up with Al. Check it out here:

Screenshot of the EPA Administrator's segment on Wake Up with Al

Still have more questions? Gina McCarthy explains the Clean Power Plan here:

Need a refresher?

Climate change is one of the greatest environmental and public health challenges we face. Climate impacts affect all Americans’ lives – from stronger storms to longer droughts and increased insurance premiums, food prices and allergy seasons.

Infographic illustrating what climate change is.

For more information on the Clean Power Plan, check out these resources:

The Clean Power Plan webpage: http://www2.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan

Overview of the Clean Power Plan: http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cpp/fs-cpp-overview.pdf

Six Things Every American Should Know about the Clean Power Plan: https://blog.epa.gov/blog/2015/08/6-things-clean-power-plan/

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