THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014
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NATIONAL
PAGE 3
Clean Power Plan may increase utilities costs
KRISTA MONTGOMERY
news@kansan.com
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Clean Power Plan proposal on June 2. It aims to decrease national carbon emissions by 30 percent by the year 2030. The regulations focus on coal-fueled power plants, which, according to the EPA, are the single largest source of carbon pollution in the United States.
For the midwest, particularly states like Kansas who rely primarily on coal, these regulations will involve significant change, possibly raising utility costs and eventually rendering coal plants obsolete. Kansas relies on coal to produce 63 percent of its electricity; those in the energy sector fear that significantly reducing coal use in such a short time will cost an inordinate amount of money.
The EPAs 645-page proposal, released June 2, emphasizes that each state will have plenty of flexibility to implement the plan. Kansas, in particular, would need to reduce carbon emissions by 23 percent to help meet the 30 percent national goal.
Jon Hummel, policy director for Governor Sam Brownback, said that even though proponents of the proposal are optimistic about finding cheaper, cleaner energies to replace coal, the Environmental Protection
Agency believes the cost to the energy industry would be between $7.3 and $8.8 billion.
"I think even the EPA would recognize there's a cost to be paid there," Hummel said.
States will have two years to submit a proposal to the federal government on how to reach the required emission standard by 2030. Those supporting the proposal, such as EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, think
the guidelines will create a healthier environment, reduce healthcare costs related to pollution, spur innovation and strengthen the economy.
"By leveraging cleaner energy sources and cutting energy waste, this plan will clean the air we breathe while helping slow climate change," McCarthy said in a news release.
Dec. 2, 1970: The Environmental Protection Agency is established.
Edited by Tom DeHart and Emma LeGault
Dec. 7, 2009 The EPA announces that greenhouse gases are a threat to the health and safety of the American people and they are obligated to reduce pollutants.
Dec. 17, 1963. The Clean Air Act goes into effect. It is the first federal legislation regarding air pollution control.
Nov. 15, 1990: The Clean Air Act is amended to increase the authority and responsibility of the federal government to control toxic air pollutants.
June 2, 2014: The EPA releases its Clean Power Plan proposal, which aims to decrease national carbon emissions by 30 percent by the year 2030.
Jan. 2, 2011: For the first time, the EPA begins regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
June 3, 2014: Governor Brownback issues a statement describing the mandate as very troubling, saying that the regulations will raise the cost of living for Kansans.
July 1,2014:
House Bill 2636, which was signed into law by Brownback on April 17, will go into effect. The law requires the Secretary of Health and Environment to establish different carbon emission standards for the coal and natural gas electricity plants that were in place before this date.
before this date.
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