Thank you to everyone who sent a message to the US Environmental Portection Agency (EPA) in support of stronger climate limits on our nation’s power plants. The proposed EPA action would significantly reduce carbon pollution to support thriving communities and a stable climate in North Carolina. Over 100 of you raised your voice and joined our call for robust limits on power plant pollution!
CleanAIRE NC submitted comments to the EPA on August 8, urging the agency to establish comprehensive limits to reduce climate pollution as quickly as possible. Electricity generation from fossil fuel power plants accounts for roughly a third of North Carolina’s greenhouse gas emissions. We cannot meaningfully address climate change without a fundamental shift in how we produce energy.
The EPA’s mission is to protect public health. That makes the agency responsible for cutting carbon pollution and protecting the communities most affected by dangerous power plant emissions. By proposing new standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants, the EPA has an opportunity to prevent up to 617 million metric tons of total CO2 emissions through 2042. That would deliver up to $85 billion in climate and public health benefits over the next two decades.
The EPA must also ensure strong, consistent public engagement with communities at the forefront of solutions. Most fossil fuel power plants are located near low-income communities or communities of color. Frontline communities are disproportionately harmed by air pollution from these facilities.
