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EPA’s Clean Power Plan: Highlights of the Final Rule

EPA’s Clean Power Plan: Highlights of the Final Rule

Full Title: EPA’s Clean Power Plan: Highlights of the Final Rule
Author(s): Jonathan L. Ramseur & James E. McCarthy
Publisher(s): Congressional Research Service
Publication Date: September 1, 2016
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

On August 3, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized regulations that address carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the electric power sector. The Clean Power Plan (CPP) final rule requires states to submit plans that would reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions or emission rates—measured in pounds of CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour of electricity generation—from existing fossil fuel electricity generating units. EPA estimates that in 2030, the CPP will result in CO2 emission levels from the electric power sector that are 32% below 2005 levels.

The CPP is the subject of ongoing litigation in which a number of states and other entities have challenged the rule. On February 9, 2016, the Supreme Court stayed the CPP for the duration of the litigation. The CPP therefore currently lacks enforceability or legal effect, and if the rule is ultimately upheld, at least some of the deadlines would have to be delayed.

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