The Clean Power Plan: What it is and why it’s important

On August 3^rd of this year, president Obama passed The Clean Power Plan. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the plan, which, aims to limit carbon pollution from power plants. To put it in perspective, the electricity sector accounts for 32% of the U.S. total greenhouse gas emissions—more than transportation, industry, agriculture, and commercial & residential.

The implications of this plan are huge—it aims to decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent by the year 2030. It sends a strong message to everyone: we can and will reduce the human impact on climate change.

People are applauding the plan and here are a few things they are saying:

The Union of Concerned Scientists calls the plan “A historic opportunity to reduce carbon pollution from the single largest source of U.S. global emissions.” Read more.

The American Lung Associate wrote: “The Clean Power Plan is a tremendous step forward in the United States’ fight against carbon pollution and climate change that will also bring immediate health benefits to the American people.”

President Obama called the plan “a historic and important step in reducing carbon pollution from power plants.”

The American Public Health Association wrote: “The new plan is projected to prevent 3,600 premature U.S. deaths and 90,000 asthma attacks among our nation’s children. Close to 90 percent of deaths resulting from power plant emissions will be prevented and the nation’s students and workers will see 300,000 fewer missed school and work days.”

If you would like to learn more, read a run-down of “myths and facts” of The Clean Power Plan, courtesy of the White House and listen the administrator of the EPA, Gina McCarthy discuss it in more detail.