The US EPA today released its final carbon reduction rule under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The goal, known as the Clean Power Plan (CPP), is the first ever federal effort to limit carbon emissions from coal fired power plants, the largest contributor of greenhouse gases which are the driving force behind climate change. Every state has a different carbon reduction target based on the states’ reported baseline emissions.
“North Carolina is well-positioned to be a leader under the Clean Power Plan, as released today,” said Molly Diggins, state director for the NC Sierra Club. “We led the nation with the landmark 2002 Clean Smokestacks Act; and again in 2007 with the only Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard in the Southeast. The results have been cleaner air, improved public health, and a booming clean tech sector. Now, we can lead again with a North Carolina Clean Power Plan.”
“We call on Governor McCrory and his administration to protect public health, reduce harmful carbon emissions and build on our state’s clean energy success story - one that has made us a national leader in clean energy,” added Diggins.
North Carolina’s compliance plan for the CPP will be created by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). However, DENR Secretary Don van der Vaart has repeatedly indicated that the administration does not plan to involve stakeholders in developing a state plan. The Secretary recently rejected a written request from 57 local elected officials for DENR to convene a stakeholder process to develop North Carolina’s compliance plan.
“We do not understand why the McCrory administration, unlike neighboring states like South Carolina, is apparently unwilling to engage communities, utilities, industries, and other stakeholders in contributing to the development of a plan that works for all North Carolinians,” said Diggins.