Clean Power Plan Sees Michigan in the Middle of the Pack

The Clean Power Plan was released Monday, after nearly two years of work. The plan, authored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, is the final rule on carbon emissions. According to research done by the U.S. EPA, Michigan has a carbon emissions goal that, when compared to other states throughout the country, is rather moderate.

This is the first time that power plants’ carbon emissions have been regulated by the federal government, as they account for nearly one-third of all carbon pollution in the country. According to President Barack Obama, due to the lack of regulations in the last 15 years, we have seen asthma rates more than double, while 14 of those years have been the country’s warmest on record.

Since the issuing of a Clean Power Plan draft in 2014, many of the state’s departments have been working with the EPA, including the Public Service Commission, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Governor Rick Snyder has also gotten involved in the clean energy debate, stating that by 2025 between 30 and 40 percent of Michigan’s energy should be coming from its cleanest sources.

Politicians throughout the state met the plan, which calls for a reduction of carbon pollution by an average of 32 percent by 2030, with mixed opinions. House Majority Floor Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) and chair of the Senate Energy and Technology Committee Senator Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek) argued that the plan was severe government overreach. House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) disagreed, saying that the new regulations will allow Michigan to become a healthier state, powered by clean energy sources.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 7, 2015 10:38 AM
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