Hello,
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to release their carbon emissions rule early this August. These first-of-their-kind standards, part of the Clean Power Plan (CPP), mark an effort to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants. Using data collected from each state, the CPP will set state pollution targets aiming to reduce carbon pollution on a national level by 30% by 2030.
Each state is tasked with developing its plan for meeting its pollution target, submitting these plans to the EPA as early as next year (due dates and emission regulation start dates are currently in flux).
The EPA is giving state leaders incredible flexibility to design North Carolina’s own individualized, most cost-effective plan to cut carbon pollution. More details can be found here.
A strong state plan to target carbon pollution is needed to promote public health, strengthen the clean energy sector, produce jobs, and protect the environment.
In April, the NC House of Representatives voted favorably on House Bill 571, which tasked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) with the job of developing an initial plan for the state.
Last week, in committee, Senator Trudy Wade (R-Guilford) introduced a Proposed Committee Substitute (PCS) to the bill. This PCS aims to prohibit DENR and other agencies from developing a state plan until after judicial review. Senator Wade argued that the EPA will face lawsuits that may affect the viability of the CPP. She does not see it in the best interest of the state to develop its own plan until all issues are settled. There is no telling when that would be.
The PCS passed committee and will likely be discussed next week in the Senate.
North Carolina need not delay. Leaders should work now to develop a state plan to meet the CPP’s guidelines. A state plan has potential to bolster the clean energy sector, create jobs, improve public health, and foster changes for a stronger North Carolina.
Show your support for a North Carolina Clean Power Plan.
Peter Magner, Stanback Intern
NC League of Conservation Voters
The HotList is a weekly email the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters (NCLCV) sends out during session where we talk about relevant legislation and share information on key environmental issues as they come before the General Assembly. While primarily intended for elected representatives, the HotList is also made public to any and all who are concerned about the environment.
