Clean Wisconsin prepared to defend landmark law to protect our children’s future
MADISON — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan was published in the Federal Register and became law. The rule, which will limit carbon pollution from power plants, is a major step in the global transition to cleaner energy production.
“Publishing the Clean Power Plan today is a historic step for the United States and one that is long overdue,” says Keith Reopelle, senior policy director for Clean Wisconsin. “There is no question that the Clean Power Plan will have major benefits for public health, our environment and our economy, in Wisconsin and beyond.”
The Clean Power Plan sets performance standards for each state and offers them a variety of options to reduce carbon pollution from power plants, the largest sources of the emissions that lead to climate change. These strategies are already widely used across the country, and states have great flexibility to decide how to meet the standard in the most cost-effective way. States are required to submit a plan for how they will comply by September of 2016, or a federal plan could be imposed upon them. Under the Clean Power Plan, Wisconsin is tasked with reducing its carbon emissions by 34% by 2030, a goal that is reasonable and easily achievable.
“Regardless of whether the Clean Power Plan is challenged in court, Wisconsin needs to create a strong plan for itself that takes advantage of our unique resources and in-state expertise,” says Reopelle. “We have a very cost-effective statewide energy-efficiency program that can be a big help in reaching our goals, and abundant wind, solar and bioenergy resources that can grow Wisconsin’s economy while reducing carbon pollution.”
Clean Wisconsin is working with the Clean Air Task Force, American Lung Association and many others to defend the Clean Power Plan from attempts to block or stall the rules. EPA estimates that the carbon limits will avoid approximately 90,000 asthma attacks in children and up to 1,700 heart attacks.
“For our children’s sake, Wisconsin cannot afford more delays,” says Reopelle. “The sooner Wisconsin crafts a strong, workable plan to implement these rules, the more cost-effective the plan will be. We look forward to working with the state, with utilities and many other stakeholders to move Wisconsin’s plan forward.”
For interviews or more information, contact Keith Reopelle, 608-251-7020 x11 or kreopelle@cleanwisconsin.org
