The EPA’s Clean Power Act and You

On June 2^nd, the EPA proposed rules to reduce greenhouse emissions from existing electricity-generating power plants. The plan has been called the Clean Power Plan, and it requires that each state develop a unique plan to achieve the goals set out by 2030.

But how will the Clean Power Plan affect Ohio? Currently, the EPA is proposing a 29 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to the levels measured in 2012. Therefore, to meet this goal, the EPA has developed four main strategies that will hopefully enable each state to successfully meet their energy efficiency goals:

1. Increase the energy efficiency of coal-fired power plants
2. Increase the use of natural gas plants instead of coal-fired power plants
3. Increase clean power generation and preserving the operation of “at-risk” nuclear capacity
4. Expand projects designed to increase energy efficiency to reduce our demand for conventional electricity

As citizens of Ohio, you will see gradual changes to put these strategies into action. The overall goal is to increase the energy efficiency of Ohio and the entire country via increasing our use of clean power. Ultimately, this will lead to a greener and more efficient Ohio for everyone.

The Ohio EPA and PUCO are currently examining the proposed rule while preparing comments, which are due by the end of 2014. Here are some of the current milestones/goals set out by the Clean Power Plan:

• December 1^st, 2014: Deadline to submit comments to EPA on the proposed rule
• June 2015: EPA to issue final rule
• June 2016: Deadline for states to submit state-specific plans or requests for extensions
• June 2017: Deadline for states with extensions to submit final plan
• June 2018: Deadline for states working together on a combined plan
• 2020–2029: Interim emission reduction phase
• 2030: Final target date to meet carbon pollution reduction

It is time to get involved in the process! If you have comments on the EPA Clean Power Plan proposal, please submit them to the Ohio EPA at: 111drulecomments@epa.ohio.gov

To learn more information about the Clean Power Plan, you can visit the following resources:

• Information about submitting comments to the Ohio EPA: http://epa.ohio.gov/dapc/111drule.aspx
• A thorough overview of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan: http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards/clean-power-plan-proposed-rule

NRDC Report on the Clean Power Plan: http://www.midwestenergynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/NRDC-clean-power-plan-report.pdf