Obama emissions plan to head to courts, states
WASHINGTON – At a White House ceremony Monday, President Barack Obama sought to clamp down on power plant emissions with a federal plan that would attempt to slow global warming by shifting the way Americans get and use electricity.
Under the plan, the U.S. must cut power plant emissions 32 percent by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. The Obama administration said it would cost $8.4 billion annually by 2030.
Here’s what lies ahead for Obama’s controversial plan:
LAWSUITS ABOUND: Within minutes of Obama unveiling his plan, numerous groups said they’ll sue.
The Murray Energy Corp., a coal mining company, planned to file five lawsuits. In the coal-heavy state of West Virginia, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said his state was “launching an aggressive legal campaign” – and predicted that 20 to 25 states would join.
Morrisey echoed other critics in arguing Obama has exceeded his authority by requiring statewide steps like renewable energy use and reduced energy demand. He said under the Clean Air Act, the government can only require steps within a power plant.
PASSING THE BATON: Another key threat could come from Obama’s successor. Because of the lengthy timeline – states have 7 years to comply – the next president will have ample time to unravel the rules if he or she chooses to do so. That means a cornerstone of Obama’s legacy rests in someone else’s hands.
STATE OF AFFAIRS: Each state now has an individualized emissions reduction target to meet. States must submit implementation plans by 2018.
Starting in 2022, states will have to reduce emissions, but the cuts are phased in gradually until 2030, when states must meet their overall target. In 2020 and 2021, states that invest in renewable sources like wind and solar will earn credits that they can store away to offset pollution emitted later.
To meet their targets, states can use a variety of measures, including new technology to capture emissions, regional cap-and-trade schemes and energy efficiency programs.