EPA has announced plans to reduce carbon pollution from power plants by 30% during the next 15 years. The proposed guidelines come in response to President Obama's Climate Action Plan.
The proposal cuts carbon pollution from existing power plants for the first time. Power plants, which account for approximately one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., are the single largest source of carbon pollution in the country.
By taking the proposed actions, EPA aims to prevent up to 6,600 premature deaths, up to 150,000 asthma attacks in children, and up to 490,000 missed work or school days related to health conditions associated with carbon pollution by 2030. Additionally, the plans would decrease electricity bills by 8% during the next 15 years by increasing energy efficiency and reducing electricity demand.
Click here for EPA fact sheets and more information on the proposal.