The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a new proposal seeking a 30% reduction in carbon emissions from existing power plants by 2030, compared with 2005 levels.

Carbon

The Clean Power Plan proposal follows through on the common-sense steps specified by Barack Obama in his Climate Action Plan and the June 2013 Presidential Memorandum.

Power plants are the largest source of carbon pollution in the US, accounting for about one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions.

The EPA’s new proposal will allow states to select the right mix of generation using fuels, energy efficiency and demand-side management to meet the goals and their needs.

The proposal is estimated to result in a 25% reduction in particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide pollution.

It is expected to provide benefits in public health and climate worth an estimated $55bn to $93bn in 2030.

EPA is using its authority under the Clean Air Act to unveil state-specific carbon pollution limits, which may allow states to meet their goals by participating in statewide or regional cap and trade plans.

EPA administrator Gina McCarthy said climate change, fueled by carbon pollution, supercharges risks to the country’s health, economy, and way of life.

"EPA is delivering on a vital piece of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan by proposing a Clean Power Plan that will cut harmful carbon pollution from our largest source–power plants," McCarthy added.

"By leveraging cleaner energy sources and cutting energy waste, this plan will clean the air we breathe while helping slow climate change so we can leave a safe and healthy future for our kids."

US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, said the EPA’s proposed rules are an important step forward in the country’s effort to combat climate change and protect public health.

"It’s real and it’s serious, but with Republicans in Congress still refusing to take the climate threat seriously, EPA standards are the best we can do to end the polluters’ long holiday from responsibility. I applaud the Obama Administration for moving forward to clean up the worst carbon polluters in this country," Whitehouse added.

Image: The US EPA seeks a 30% reduction in carbon emissions from existing power plants by 2030. Photo: Courtesy of Arvind Balaraman/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.