As many know, on February 9, 2016, the US Supreme Court stayed implementation of the Clean Power Plan pending judicial review. For background, here is a brief glimpse into this issue.
According to the EPA, the Court’s decision was not on the merits of the rule.
“EPA firmly believes the Clean Power Plan will be upheld when the merits are considered because the rule rests on strong scientific and legal foundations. For the states that choose to continue to work to cut carbon pollution from power plants and seek the agency’s guidance and assistance, EPA will continue to provide tools and support. We will make any additional information available as necessary.”
Clean Power Plan History
On August 3, 2015, President Obama and EPA announced the Clean Power Plan. The plan was viewed by many as an important step concerning taking action on climate change by reducing carbon pollution from US power plants. The final rule was made available October 23, 2015 on the Federal Register, with this EPA perspective.
“Shaped by years of unprecedented outreach and public engagement, the final Clean Power Plan is fair, flexible and designed to strengthen the fast-growing trend toward cleaner and lower-polluting American energy. With strong but achievable standards for power plants, and customized goals for states to cut the carbon pollution that is driving climate change, the Clean Power Plan provides national consistency, accountability and a level playing field while reflecting each state’s energy mix. It also shows the world that the United States is committed to leading global efforts to address climate change.”
According to E&E Publishing, states differ over whether to proceed with compliance planning for EPA’s Clean Power Plan.
- 20 states have suspended planning for the Clean Power Plan
- 19 states continue with planning
- 8 states remain undecided
- 4 states are exempt
E&E’s Power Plan Hub details which states are suspending or continuing efforts since the Supreme Court stayed the regulation.
Sadly, given the powerful and alarming issues we all face with climate change, putting a moderate and incremental plan like this into action should not be curtailed by such a roadblock. Rather, planning should be founded more on a simple logic which builds for the cleanest future than on political leanings or an outmoded practice of conducting business the way it’s always been conducted.
We will continue with updates.
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