Clean Power Plan

The Clean Power Plan (CPP), as announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August 2015, requires states to reduce their power-sector carbon-dioxide emissions rates by 2030. Overall the result is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants 32% below 2005 levels by 2030

States have different requirements calculated by the EPA based on each state’s current energy mix and distribution.  The Clean Power Plan is designed to provide national consistency, accountability and a level playing field while reflecting each state’s energy mix.  The rule establishes a target emissions rate, or the amount of carbon dioxide that could be emitted per megawatt-hour of power produced. The emissions rate reductions required of states range from 7 percent in Connecticut to 47 percent in Montana.   To see where your state stands, check out E&E’s Power Plan Hub.

A full menu of options to reduce overall emissions are well described by the National Association of Clean Air Agencies.  Carbon pricing mechanisms are allowed options.

Options to Reduce Emissions

  • Optimize Power Plant Operations
  • Implement Combined Heat and Power in the Electric Sector
  • Implement Combined Heat and Power in Other Sectors
  • Improve Coal Quality
  • Optimize Grid Operations
  • Increase Generation from Low-Emission Resources
  • Pursue Carbon Capture and Utilization or Sequestration
  • Retire Aging Power Plants
  • Switch Fuels at Existing Power Plants
  • Reduce Losses in the Transmission and Distribution System
  • Establish Energy Savings Targets for Utilities
  • Foster New Markets for Energy Efficiency
  • Pursue Behavioral Efficiency Programs
  • Boost Appliance Efficiency Standards
  • Boost Building Energy Codes
  • Increase Clean Energy Procurement Requirements
  • Encourage Clean Distributed Generation
  • Revise Transmission Pricing and Access Policies
  • Revise Capacity Market Practices and Policies
  • Improve Integration of Renewables into the Grid
  • Change the Dispatch Order of Power Plants
  • Improve Utility Resource Planning Practices
  • Improve Demand Response Policies and Programs
  • Adopt Market-Based Emissions Reduction Programs
  • Tax Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  • Consider Emerging Technologies and Other Important Policies