On August 3, EPA released its final rule implementing the
Climate Action Plan focused on reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions – carbon dioxide or CO2, from power plants.
While CO2 is naturally occurring, EPA reports that power plants
account for 32 percent of carbon dioxide emissions from
anthropogenic sources.
The plan phases in CO2 reduction requirements, with a 32 percent
reduction required by 2030, equivalent to emissions from about 166
million automobiles. About 1,000 power plants across the
United States are affected by the rule. EPA states the rule
will lower electricity costs by $7.00 per month for most power
customers. Lost power generation from plants that will be
required to be shut down by the rule is to be made up through
solar, wind, hydropower, and nuclear power generation. EPA
expects the rule to cost over $8 billion to implement, stating that
mitigation of climate change will result in benefits of over $20
billion. EPA states that 3,600
