President
Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took historic action on August
3, 2015 when they announced the finalized Clean Power Plan (CPP), a step to reduce
carbon pollution and combat climate change. The plan extends to the year 2030
and focuses on lowering emissions from power plants and increasing renewable
energy and efficiency. States will individually develop plans to meet the
guidelines laid out by the CPP.
Pennsylvania
already has programs that would get us over halfway to our goal, if they are
fully put into effect. These current policies would meet 51% of the goal. The
other 49% will be covered by increasing energy efficiency, increasing renewable
energy, and taking other additional measures. By adjusting the energy
efficiency savings goal to 1.5% (which is consistent with leading states),PA would get to 14% of the target. The
state can also increase the percent of renewable energy to 20%, which again
compares to surrounding states and would alone get us 31% closer the aim. The
leftover 4% is easily attainable by updating building codes and the efficiency
of power plants.
The Wolf administration's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), will be holding 14 community listening sessions across to state to provide the public and opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions about the Clean Power Plan. Click here to learn more about these sessions.
