Governor Hassan’s Statement on the Clean Power Plan

Thirty-one states’ targets were loosened, but the tougher goals for the others make the overall plan more ambitious than the original proposal.

Noting that power plants are the largest source of carbon pollution in US economy, Kerry said, by curbing emissions from these sources the US is tackling the problem head on. That’s the official EPA estimate of the benefits of this Clean Air Plan.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s newest version of the “Clean Power Plan” may result in a brawl between Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman and Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Such a move by Coffman, however, would pit her office against the governor, who has been instrumental in furthering Colorado’s so-called “green energy” industry, and has voiced support for the new EPA rules. We also are spending $2 billion at our five remaining coal plants to ensure ongoing clean air improvements.

“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”, says the summary of the plan.

“With this clean power plan by 2030, carbon pollution from power plants will be 32 percent lower than it was a decade ago”.

Mr Obama has called the plan “the biggest, most important, step we have ever taken to combat climate change”.

“With these rules, the EPA is trying to stretch its authority beyond recognition and to double down on its attempt to impose an unprecedented takeover of our energy system”, said Donohue.

NPR reported that opponents of the new rules, including Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, have promised to fight the climate rule, and they’re urging states not to comply with the EPA regulation.

The ACC said cost increases could limit “undermine the ability of the chemical sector to continue to grow and create jobs”. The administration wants these plans soon so they can implement the rule by next year. And my home state of Texas would be one of the hardest hit.

States included in this request are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The magnitude of the new regulations means it makes sense that lawmakers answerable to constituents should be involved in the plan, Eick said.