EPA Clean Power Plan final rule: Reactions from PA on this historic event.

On Monday, August 3, 2015, President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency announced the centerpiece of the administration’s strategy to combat climate change -- the Clean Power Plan. The final Clean Power Plan rule establishes the first-ever limit on carbon pollution from existing power plants in the U.S. 

The Clean Power Plan will:

• Cut carbon pollution by 32 percent by 2030 (below 2005 levels);
• Provide up to $45 billion in climate and public health benefits;
• Prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths, up to 90,000 asthma attacks in children, and up to 300,000 missed work and school days;
• And create 5,100 Pennsylvania jobs according to an analysis by the National Resources Defense Council.

Adjusted figures above reflect changes from preliminary versions of the rule.

In Pennsylvania, key influencers weighed in on the final rule release. Elected officials largely fell along party lines in their support for the Clean Power Plan. Notably, Gov. Tom Wolf gave a very strong statement in support of the plan, while Sen. Bob Casey reaffirmed his strong support of climate action. 

An excerpt from Gov. Wolf’s press release on the Clean Power Plan:

“My administration is committed to making the Clean Power Plan work for Pennsylvania. Working with the legislature, industry leaders and citizens we will create a plan to ensure these new rules are applied fairly, allow for adjustments, and that they create economic opportunities for the commonwealth’s energy economy. Today’s plan sets ambitious but achievable goals for reducing carbon emissions statewide and addressing climate change in fair and smart ways that takes into account legitimate concerns of all parties.”

An excerpt from Sen. Casey’s statement on the Clean Power Plan:

“Addressing climate change is key for our nation’s economic security, national security, public health and the health of our environment. Today, the President laid out a substantial plan to address the challenges of climate change. In November, I wrote the Administration a letter outlining the need to strike the right balance in formulating this plan. I appreciate the consideration that the Administration has given to the needs of states like Pennsylvania when it comes to implementation.”

Unsurprisingly, Sen. Pat Toomey, through a spokesperson, reiterated his support of coal.

Immediately following the final rule release, PennFuture convened a diverse group of labor organizations, health experts, faith leaders, clean energy industry representatives, and environmental advocates from across the Commonwealth for a telephone press conference to highlight the myriad benefits of the plan. 

Below are statements from some of the speakers that participated on the call. 

Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of PennFuture: 

“The Clean Power Plan is an essential step toward mitigating climate change and improving air quality. The Commonwealth must use this opportunity to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon, clean energy future by creating a state-based plan that is both aspirational and well suited to Pennsylvania. Our children’s futures depend on it.”

Jeaneen Zappa, executive director of Conservation Consultants, Inc.: 

“Energy efficiency is the easiest and cheapest first step toward savings on electric bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Residential and commercial buildings combined are responsible for 41 percent of total U.S. energy consumption, and 20 percent of that energy in buildings is being wasted. Consumers large and small will win by embracing the energy efficiency measures that will help define the Clean Power Plan.”

Dr. Alan Peterson, emeritus director of environmental and community medicine for Lancaster General Health: 

“Climate change is the most significant health issue of our century according to the World Health Organization. Global warming is related to a broad range of adverse health effects including illnesses and death from extreme heat. It's easy to see why the Clean Power Plan and its goal to reduce carbon pollution and slow the effects of climate change is a win for Pennsylvania's most vulnerable populations.”

In closing, we wanted to remind everyone of last week’s post where we mentioned how critical our U.S. senators will be in determining the fate of the Clean Power Plan. We’ve since set up an action alert for supporters to send letters to both Sens. Casey and Toomey calling on them to publicly support the final rule. Make your voice heard on this important issue!

Katie Bartolotta is southeastern Pennsylvania outreach coordinator for PennFuture and is based in Philadelphia. She tweets @KatieBartolotta. 

Final Clean Power Plan rulemaking: What's next?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to release its final Clean Power Plan rulemaking – the first-ever regulation in the United States to cut carbon emissions from power plants – any day now.

The Clean Power Plan (CPP) aims to cut carbon pollution nationally by an average of 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, providing up to $93 billion in climate and public health benefits. The EPA projects these carbon pollution limits will prevent up to 6,600 premature deaths, up to 150,000 asthma attacks in children, and up to 490,000 missed work and school days in 2030.

Pennsylvania expects to see significant economic and environmental benefits from meeting the CPP’s goals. For example, the National Resources Defense Council found that Pennsylvania would create 5,100 jobs under the CPP. Public Citizen also reported that electricity bills in Pennsylvania will fall 9.2 to 9.8 percent by 2030 under the Clean Power Plan, saving the average household $125 to $132 annually.

The CPP is an much-needed step toward mitigating climate change and presents myriad public health and economic benefits for the Commonwealth. But just because the regulation will be finalized in a few days doesn’t mean that its carbon reduction, health, and economic growth benefits will automatically be realized. The process, in some respects, is just getting started.

Once the rule is finalized, what’s next?

The CPP was designed to give states the flexibility to create a state-based compliance plan that fits their unique economic, environmental, and existing power generation situation. Absent proactive action, EPA will implement its own plan on the Commonwealth. Any plan must cut Pennsylvania’s carbon emissions by 31 percent by 2030.

Pennsylvania, however, is not waiting on the release of the final rule to start weighing its compliance options, explains PennFuture’s Jennie Demjanick in a recent blog post. One of the options being weighed by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the state agency that will write the state implementation plan, is a multi-state program modeled after a cap and trade strategy. Under this approach, a collection of states will set caps on their carbon emission reductions that decrease over time and create a marketplace for carbon producers to purchase and trade permits to emit carbon pollution. This effectively provides a strong incentive for carbon producers to reduce their emissions in as cost effective a manner as possible. Look no further than our New England states for an example of such a system, called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

Fortunately, Pennsylvania has many options to choose from to meet its carbon reduction goals. Last week, DEP Secretary John Quigley discussed next steps in an interview with OnPoint, stating that all compliance options are on the table and that the DEP is engaging all stakeholders in the process.

What challenges lie ahead?

Choosing and implementing a carbon reduction strategy isn’t the only barrier. Inevitably, there will be legal challenges. In a recent article by E&E, the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) boasted that more than a dozen states are ready to take legal action against the CPP.

Some states have opted for legislation that requires state lawmakers to approve state implementation plans before they are sent to the EPA, adding uncertainty to the process and potentially leading to the EPA implementing its own federal plan on these states. For its part, Pennsylvania’s General Assembly chose this path by passing HB 2354, a law now known as Act 175 of 2014.

The U.S. Congress also has the ability to weaken or overturn the rule. Through the Congressional Review Act, Congress has the power to review, and ultimately overturn, any major rulemaking. Presumably, Congress would need to produce a veto-proof majority in order for this option to be realized. This is not entirely out of the realm of possibility given that only a handful of votes across party lines would be needed to produce that supermajority. Additionally, Congress may also vote on appropriations bills and on amendments to bills that have the power to weaken the intent of the rule or defund EPA’s ability to enforce the rule.

How can I get involved to ensure the success of the Clean Power Plan?

Attend a rally

PennFuture and many partner organizations will gather for rallies in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to show support for the Plan on Thursday, July 30 at 12:30 p.m. in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Bring a friend, hold a sign, and enjoy FREE ice cream.

Make a call to your U.S. Senators

We outlined above the role that elected representatives play in the success or failure of the Clean Power Plan. We also know that elected officials are responsive to their constituents, which is why it’s so important that supporters of the Clean Power Plan convey the benefits of the Plan from their personal perspective to their U.S. Senators. Interested in making a call on Thursday, July 30? Email Katie Bartolotta at Bartolotta@pennfuture.org.

Write to your local newspaper

Want to express your support for the Clean Power Plan in writing? Make your voice heard by submitting a letter to the editor to your local paper. Email Katie Bartolotta at Bartolotta@pennfuture.org if you’re interested.

Katie Bartolotta is southeast Pennsylvania outreach coordinator for PennFuture and is based in Philadelphia. She tweets @KatieBartolotta.

"Beat the Heat" with PennFuture and friends on July 30

This summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will finalize its Clean Power Plan -- the first federal standard on carbon pollution from power plants. This is big news and an historic achievement toward mitigating climate change. What's more, the rule is a step toward a zero-carbon, clean energy future. 

We need to show strong support for the Clean Power Plan, which will have significant public health benefits and will create jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. It will also provide states the flexibility to implement plans tailored to their unique situations. 

Will you join us during your lunch hour to support the Clean Power Plan? PennFuture and many partner organizations will gather for rallies in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to show support for the Plan. Bring a friend, hold a sign, and enjoy FREE ice cream. 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

When, where and more:  

Pittsburgh Rally:
Thursday, July 30: 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Courtyard of Pittsburgh City-County Building, 414 Grant St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219
Updated location: Courtyard at the Allegheny County Courthouse (Enter on Fifth St.), 436 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
There will be a brief lineup of speakers and FREE ice cream for attendees. 
Please let us know you'll attend by registering on our website.

Philadelphia Rally:
Thursday, July 30: 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Outside of Senator Casey's Office, 2001 Market St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103
There will be a brief lineup of speakers and FREE ice cream for attendees. 
Please let us know you'll attend by registering on our website.

Katie Bartolotta is PennFuture's southeastern Pennsylvania outreach coordinator and is based in Philadelphia. She tweets @KatieBartolotta.

Serious, sobering news on climate change

Last week, the U.S. Global Change Research Program (a group of federal agencies whose tag line is Thirteen Agencies, One Vision: Empower the Nation with Global Change Science) published the 2014 edition of the National Climate Assessment (NCA).

There was not much good news, not surprisingly.

There's still time to avoid the worst scenarios around climate change, but only if we move quickly. ("We" means the federal government, in this case -- and since Congress still refuses to act...thankfully, the executive branch is acting. More on this below.)

Climate change is hitting home, already.

The report chapter that focuses on states in the Northeast begins this way: "Heat waves, heavy downpours, and sea level rise pose growing challenges to many aspects of life in the Northeast. Infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems will be increasingly compromised. Many states and cities are beginning to incorporate climate change into their planning."

This is hitting home viscerally to so many of us. Remember the gentle spring rains that were a standard feature of just a few decades ago? Now downpours, storms, and floods are the new standard.

Worsening public health

Those of us who routinely read global warming reports know about the "usual suspects" on the list of serious health threats that an overheated atmosphere brings: More cases of respiratory diseases such as asthma due to polluted air (warmer temps make smog worse), and diseases caused by insect vectors (Lyme disease, dengue fever, West Nile virus, among others). The NCA chapter on public health discusses these.  

What I find particularly interesting are two public health threats included in the NCA that I can't recall seeing associated with climate change until now:

• Mental health and stress-related disorders. If one loses their home -- or even a loved one, heaven forbid -- in a flood, of course that person could be more vulnerable to these sorts of mental health problems.
• Respiratory diseases will likely increase due to the  growth of indoor mold, mildew, and fungi. All those soggy basements from all these extra floods we just talked about will lead to more sick people.

What is the federal government doing?

Since Congress has refused for more than a decade to pass legislation to put a price on carbon dioxide, it falls on the executive branch to act (as required by the Clean Air Act). Fortunately, President Obama has instructed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put forth standards to limit carbon dioxide from power plants (the biggest domestic source of industrial carbon pollution).

Stay tuned for the EPA's announcement on June 2 for how they propose to limit CO2 from existing power plants (including all those dirty old coal plants across Pennsylvania).

We promise that PennFuture will be all over this issue for the foreseeable future.

Joy Bergey is federal policy director for PennFuture and based in Philadelphia.

High time for the Obama Administration to act

Unfortunately, it's all too clear that this Congress is going to kick the climate can down the road, increasing the risks for future generations. That said, the President can choose to use his executive authority to act on climate.

As a matter of fact, and as a matter of law, the President is legally required to act on climate, and he's actually breaking the law by not having acted in April.

In a nutshell: The Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that carbon dioxide qualifies as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act. By law, that ruling compelled the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to do a scientific assessment on whether CO2 is a danger to human health. This led to the 2009 EPA "endangerment finding" that CO2 is indeed a threat to public health.

These results mean that the EPA must regulate CO2, according to the Clean Air Act, an act of Congress, whether the current Congress likes it or not.

The EPA issued a strong standard last summer to address auto emissions, but it is well behind on regulating stationary sources such as power plants. By law, the EPA should have issued a standard to limit CO2 from any to-be-built power plants by April 13. This hasn't happened and, consequently, the EPA is in violation of a court order. Some national environmental groups are already on record as saying they'll sue the President if a new standard isn't issued by mid-June.

We say go for it -- it's high time the laws of the land controlled CO2 emissions. And then some.