US ups CO2 reduction target from power plants

Published 05:49 on August 3, 2015  /  Last updated at 05:49 on August 3, 2015  / Stian Reklev /  Americas, US

The US will increase its CO2 emission reduction target from power plants to 32% below 2005 levels by 2030, compared to the previous goal of 30%, the White House said ahead of Monday’s release of the final rules for the Clean Power Plan.

The US will increase its CO2 emission reduction target from power plants to 32% below 2005 levels by 2030, compared to the previous goal of 30%, the White House said ahead of Monday’s release of the final rules for the Clean Power Plan.

The adjusted ambition means the power sector must make deeper cuts in its greenhouse gas emissions over the next 15 years, but the final plan is expected to delay the start date for implementing cuts under the plan by two years to 2022.

“Taken together these measures put the United States on track to achieve the president’s near-term target to reduce emissions in the range of 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, and lay a strong foundation to deliver against our long-term target to reduce emissions 26 to 28% below 2005 levels by 2025,” said a White House statement.

President Obama will outline the final changes to the plan later on Monday in an announcement that is expected to include information on how states can use carbon trading mechanisms to meet their obligations.

Meanwhile, the National Mining Association confirmed Sunday it will take the Clean Power Plan to court, saying it will make electricity more expensive for consumers while the grid will become less reliable under the plan.

Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush said the CPP rule “runs over state governments, will throw countless people out of work, and increases everyone’s energy prices.”

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