Supporting a Clean Energy Future
Power plants account for nearly 40 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. That’s more than every car, truck, and plane in the U.S. combined.
The Clean Power Plan aims to reduce carbon pollution generated by power plants in order to improve public health and promote greater energy efficiency. This plan could change the future of our electricity in the U.S. for the better, if it prevails against expected legal and legislative challenges backed by industry groups.
States have a lot of flexibility in implementing the plan and can make or break the benefits for consumers. If states look for the most cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable resources available, the benefits are expected to include:
The Clean Power Plan is a Win for Consumers
- Consumer Savings:
- Save the average household nearly $85 a year on their energy bills in 2030
- Save consumers $155 billion from 2020-2030
- Climate and Health Benefits:
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030
- Prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths
- Prevent 90,000 asthma attacks in children
- Prevent 300,000 missed workdays and schooldays
Action in the States
The Supreme Court recently issued a ruling to hold implementation of the Clean Power Plan until further review. However, states are free to continue to make progress on the plan if they choose. In response, a number of states have decided to continue CPP planning while others have chosen to suspend planning until the court rule on the plan.
Featured State
Pennsylvania
Overview
- Pennsylvania’s 2030 target is a 33.3% reduction in emissions rates from 2012 levels. According to the Sierra Club, pre-CPP programs will get Pennsylvania about 50% towards this goal already. These include measures that have set goals for more energy efficiency and use of renewables, as well as the announced retirements of several coal plants.
- Gov. Tom Wolf initially promised to deliver a final compliance plan by Sept. 2016, the date when the majority of states are planning to submit their initial plans. The Supreme Court stay will likely impact his ability to do so, but Gov. Wolf is committed to moving forward.
Research
- EPA Clean Power Fact Sheet
- UCS Guide to Meeting the CPP
- CU Blog – The Clean Power Plan Can Easily Be Met, Says Northeast Utility Grid Operator
Lead State Agency