EPA's Proposed Rule to Reduce Carbon Emissions From Power Plants

On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency unveiled its proposed rule to reduce carbon emissions from U.S. power plants by 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.

Key to the draft regulation is flexibility in compliance. Gina McCarthy, EPA administrator, noted in her announcement speech that "The glue that holds this plan together--and the key to making it work--is that each state's goal is tailored to its own circumstances, and states have the flexibility to reach their goal in whatever way works best for them."

Along with requiring states to make their own plans by June 2016, the rule would also enable multi-state collaboration such as cap-and-trade programs and energy efficiency development. The Council will be reporting on the proposal at its June Council meeting to begin the discussion of what the rule means for the Northwest, so stay tuned.

For coverage and analysis of the proposed rule, The Morning Consult has a good roundup.

Local coverage: 

Oregon, Washington on path to meet new carbon rules; outside needs cost ratepayers - Oregonian

EPA says Idaho must cut carbon emissions by 33 percent - Idaho Statesman

Montanans react to EPA's draft rules to reduce CO2 emissions - Missoulian

Prior agreement to phase out Centralia coal plant will cover most emissions reductions - Seattle Times