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Clean energy action: Statement on EPA power plant proposals

11 May 2023, 17:38 UTC 1 min read

Today the US’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed carbon pollution standards for new and existing fossil-fuel fired power plants across the US, a move that is a huge step forward for global climate action. Hundreds of Climate Group’s RE100 companies across the US and world are driving market demand and standing up for action like this on clean energy.

We support strong implementation of the new US power plant rule to increase US clean energy supply and benefit public health in disadvantaged communities that bear the brunt of power plant pollution.

Climate Group’s Executive Director for North America Angela Barranco said: “A strong new EPA power plant rule will significantly accelerate emissions reductions and help the US – and the world – reach critical climate goals and protect vulnerable communities from significant harm.”

By setting standards for fossil fuel power plants (those running on coal and natural-gas), the EPA can limit emissions from the US’ second-largest source of greenhouse gases. This will have a significant impact which translates into:

  • Cutting the equivalent emissions of 137 million vehicles per year
  • Protect public health – avoiding over 1000 premature deaths per year
  • Provide flexibility for power companies to implement the transition while protecting reliability and consumer cost.*

*Figures taken from the EPA press release. For more background on the EPA proposals, please click here for their press release.

For more information on RE100 please click here.

For more comment from Climate Group on the EPA’s proposals, please email RWilliams@ClimateGroup.org