Michigan LCV Statement on EPA Carbon Rules

Ann Arbor, MI – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed power plant rules announced today. The proposed rule would require coal plants to capture 90% of carbon emissions starting in 2030 and gas plants to capture 90% of emissions by 2035, or shut down and seek alternative energy sources.

 

The following quote can be attributed to Bentley Johnson, federal government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters: 

 

 “The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to reduce carbon pollution from power plants is necessary to clean up our air, protect public health and fight the climate crisis. With the power sector being the second largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in the country, limits on their emissions are welcome and long overdue. As the regulatory process moves forward, the EPA must strengthen its proposed rules and move up its timeline to ensure we swiftly reduce carbon pollution by 2030. In addition, we cannot afford to leave frontline communities behind by exempting thousands of “peaker plants” from these regulations, which are some of the dirtiest gas power plants that only run part time.

 

As this proposed rule moves forward it is essential the EPA listens to the feedback from overburdened communities and works to finalize a rule by early next year to meet the urgency addressing the climate crisis demands. With a strong carbon pollution rule in place, Michigan can use funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and build upon the Governor’s MI Healthy Climate Plan to ensure a clean and prosperous future for all Michiganders.”