To address climate change, the EPA has proposed guidelines for states in developing plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil-fueled electric-generating units (EGUs). The guidelines are based on state-specific rate-based goals for carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. Carbon dioxide accounts for 82% of US GHG emissions. The rule is designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30% from 2005 to 2030. States are encouraged to upgrade electricity infrastructure, diversify energy sources and increase power-plant efficiency. The plan provides flexibility for how each state meets the guidelines. Each state must apply a “best system of emission reduction,” which is based on improved EGU operations, the establishment of EGUs with lower emissions and energy sources with no carbon dioxide emissions, and energy efficiency at the end point. The rule covers more than one thousand fuel-fired power plants. States’ plans are due by June 2016.

Source: EPA