CHICAGO – Illinois officials say the state will need a mix of power sources and energy efficiency initiatives to meet proposed federal limits for carbon pollution.
The Obama administration on Monday unveiled a plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 30 percent by 2030. Illinois has been given a goal of limiting emissions to 1,271 pounds per megawatt hour.
That’s 33 percent less than the state’s emissions in 2012.
Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman Doug Scott said the state is in a good position to meet the limits because of existing energy efficiency standards, as well as cleaner coal-fired plants, nuclear plants and renewables such as wind and solar. He said the plan also will take into account the state’s economy.
About 40 percent of Illinois’ energy comes from coal.