PROVIDENCE, RI – After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a new proposal to curb climate change by restricting emissions at existing power plants, U.S. Senator Jack Reed called the proposal “a good step toward a cleaner energy future and reducing pollution.” 

EPA aims to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants nationwide by 30 percent below 2005 levels.  Other air pollutants that are harmful to public health would be reduced by more than 25 percent.

“We know that pollution has real and costly health impacts.  This proposal is a good step toward a cleaner energy future and reducing pollution.  It sets achievable goals and gives states the flexibility to pursue the most cost-effective means of compliance,” said Reed, who chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, which oversees federal funding for the EPA.  “By recognizing and leveraging existing state and regional efforts like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, EPA has provided a flexible framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harness cleaner energy sources while protecting consumers and ensuring the reliability of our energy system.  Reducing pollution and spurring innovation are critical to addressing climate change, strengthening our economy, and protecting public health.”

“The federal government needs to be a reliable partner in the fight against climate change, and I am encouraged to see the EPA use their authority under the Clean Air Act to take action and safeguard public health.  This proposal is likely to encourage other states to follow Rhode Island’s lead on climate change and consider engaging in regional climate action,” continued Reed.

EPA’s proposal sets state-specific goals and gives states the flexibility to design a program to achieve emission reductions in their own way.  States can decide whether to act alone to develop individual plans or to work together with other states to develop multi-state plans – like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), of which Rhode Island is a member.  Since 2005, the RGGI program has helped nine states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 percent while revenues have enabled the RGGI states to invest over $700 million in energy efficiency, clean and renewable energy, and other energy programs.

“I am pleased EPA recognized the progress already being made at the state and regional levels and has drafted a rule that gives the states flexibility to build upon existing efforts to achieve further emissions reductions.  This proposal gives states a broad menu of carbon-cutting options, including energy efficiency improvements or adding clean energy sources, in order to find the most cost-effective measures to curb pollution and maintain reliability.  I will continue to ensure that Rhode Islanders’ voices are heard and clean energy policies result in real energy savings and more jobs for Rhode Island,” concluded Reed.

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