Yesterday, at the US White House, President Barack Obama and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy released the final version of the so-called Clean Power Plan. This event is called a historic step in the US fight against climate change. "This is the biggest, most important step we've ever taken to combat climate change," Barack Obama said.
The published plan sets the first national standards for carbon footprint from power plants, the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the US. The Clean Energy Plan aims to reduce carbon emissions by 32% by 2030 compared to 2005, which should reduce premature deaths from power plant emissions by 90%. In addition, a new initiative:
- will create tens of thousands of jobs;
- will encourage greater investment in renewable energy technologies;
- reduce every American family's annual electricity bill;
- will give a good start to the active use of wind and solar installations for energy production.
According to official figures from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power plants are responsible for 82% of carbon dioxide emissions. Total greenhouse gas emissions by sector of the US economy are distributed as follows:
- 31% - electricity;
- 27% - transport;
- 20% - industry;
- 12% - commercial and residential sector;
- 9% - agriculture.
The EPA has launched a dedicated website dedicated to the Clean Power Plan, available in multiple languages: English, Spanish, and several Asian languages (Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean).