The Clean Power Plan is a federal standard that sets the first-ever national limits on carbon pollution from power plants in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for implementing the plan.
Why is it important?
Power plants are among America's largest sources of carbon pollution, responsible for about one-third of climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions in the country.
How does it address carbon pollution?
It stops plants from releasing unlimited amounts of such pollution into our air. States have flexibility in how they lower pollution, and the plan stresses renewable energy and energy efficiency as key tools – which would boost the clean energy economy.
How is it at risk?
The Trump administration, fossil fuel groups and some conservative lawmakers have mounted extensive campaigns to try and block it:
- In the Trump administration: The EPA is proposing to gut the Clean Power Plan.
- In the courts: Polluters have filed suit – claiming among other things that the plan will be too costly – and the rule is now on hold. Read why this line of reasoning is so often wrong.
- In the states: Some state officials are suing to stop the Clean Power Plan, at the same time that their colleagues are creating plans to comply with it. It's even pitting some governors against their own attorneys general.
- In Congress: Lawmakers opposing the Clean Power Plan tried to block it through Congressional Review Act resolutions that were vetoed by President Obama. They might try to undo it through other tactics now.
What can I do?
Help us stop the EPA's efforts – under the Trump administration – to dismantle the plan. Every message helps make a difference.