Center for Clean Air Policy applauds President Obama’s announcement of the final Clean Power Plan

The Center for Clean Air Policy applauds President Obama’s announcement of the final Clean Power Plan, which, in his own words, promises to be “the single most important step America has ever taken to fight against global climate change.” As finalized, the Clean Power Plan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector by 870 million short tons in 2030 below 2005 levels. This makes a substantial contribution to the U.S. goal of reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent in 2025 from 2005 levels. Ned Helme, CCAP’s President commented, “The increase in effort over the proposal sends a clear signal that the United States is prepared to lead this December in reaching an ambitious and durable agreement on climate change.”

Beyond setting up a high level of ambition, the final Clean Power Plan is designed to be cost-effective and flexible while ensuring electric reliability. In particular:

• The final plan encourages the lowest cost mitigation solutions through emissions trading. In offering guidance on trading-ready approaches, EPA supports low cost compliance solutions under rate- and mass- standards.