Strong federal backstop for Clean Power Plan will ensure every state is cutting pollution

Environment America

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the heels of the announcement that 2015 was the hottest year on record, today the public comment period closes for the federal backstop for the Clean Power Plan, President Obama’s central strategy to tackle global warming.
 
The Clean Power Plan sets state-by-state carbon pollution limits on power plants and requires states to develop their own paths to meet targets largely through energy efficiency and clean energy. The Federal Implementation Plan is the default emissions-reduction strategy for states that submit inadequate plans or no plans of their own.
 
Madeline Page, outreach director for Environment America’s Global Warming Solutions program, issued this statement:
 
“Yesterday’s announcement that 2015 was the hottest in recorded history underscores the urgency of tackling global warming, and it underscores the need for a strong federal backstop to ensure that every state is part of historic climate action.”
 
“We have neither the time nor the need to transition slowly from coal to gas. We’re calling for a strong federal plan that gives states the opportunity to leapfrog straight to efficiency and renewable, pollution-free energy.
 
“States have long been leaders in curbing pollution and deploying wind and solar energy, and many are now seizing the chance the Clean Power Plan gives them to accelerate the shift to clean energy. But even states whose leaders reject climate action deserve to be part of the biggest step the U.S. has ever taken to curb global warming pollution.
 
“With dozens of states leading the way on climate and a strong ‘plan b’ that ensures everyone is curbing pollution, we can begin the transition to the 100 percent clean energy economy that will help stem record-breaking warming and protect our kids’ future.”