Trump Administration's Replacement to Clean Power Plan Sends U.S. in the Wrong Direction on Climate Change

The Trump administration today announced its rule to replace the Clean Power Plan, which was put into place in 2015. The Clean Power Plan was on track to cut carbon pollution from the electric power sector by 32 percent by 2030. At a time when even steeper cuts are necessary to avert the worst impacts of climate change, this new replacement plan is expected to slow the power sector's transition to clean, renewable energy and could lead to an increase in emissions from nearly 30 percent of coal plants. This could cause as many as 1,400 additional deaths by 2030 due to the toxic chemicals from these plants, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Notably, the new rule gives states the authority to regulate rather than setting a federal cap on power plant emissions that are contributing to the climate crisis.

Andrea McGimsey, Senior Director of Global Warming Solutions at Environment America, released the following statement:

"On behalf of our members in all 50 states, we unequivocally oppose President Trump's Dirty Power Plan. It will intensify carbon pollution from the burning of dangerous fossil fuels and accelerate the warming of the planet, increasing life-threatening changes to our climate. As the Midwest drowns from unrelenting, powerful downpours, wildfire season kicks into high gear in the West, and cities along the Atlantic coast watch sea levels rise outside their doorsteps each day, it is a travesty that the Trump administration is reversing course on clean power and a stable climate.

"Americans understand what's at stake as we all value clean air and a healthy environment. They expect the Environmental Protection Agency and their elected leaders to act in their best interest. As such, there is no way to justify this move.

"Thankfully, governors and state legislatures continue to move forward to transition our electric power to renewable sources like the sun and wind. States like New Mexico and Washington have pledged 100 percent clean energy by 2045, and many more like New Jersey, and New York, are moving in the same direction. These states are tackling the climate challenge head on and taking us into a sustainable and strong future. It's high time for our federal officials to join them."