Nuking the CPP

摘要

In June 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposed Clean Power Plan (CPP), designed to reduce carbon emissions from existing electric power plants. The proposed plan met with strong opposition, particularly from coal-producing states. In October of this year, the EPA published its final CPP rule that calls for a 32% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2030. Initial plans are due from the states by September 2016, although the EPA as indicated a willingness to grant two-year extensions. Publication of the CPP also set off the expected legal and legislative challenges. A coalition of 24 states and a coal-mining company immediately sued, claiming that the EPA has gone beyond the authority granted by Congress. Other lawsuits are expected. In Congress, republican and coal-state democratic members are seeking to pass resolutions that could overturn the CPP rules. Additionally, state leaders in Oklahoma, Kentucky, Texas and Wisconsin have indicated that their states will not comply with the CPP. The battle over the CPP will be certainly be long and contentious.