On Aug. 3, President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final Clean Power Plan, which will cut power plant carbon emissions 32 percent below 2005 levels, by 2030. The rule is among several released by EPA that will increase compliance and transaction costs while creating uncertainty for America’s small businesses.

The Partnership for a Better Energy Future, of which ABC is a member, commented on the final rule , stating it “ is one of the most expensive and far-reaching rules in its history, designed to regulate carbon emissions from the electric power sector. The rule represents an unprecedented intrusion into affairs of the states that will increase costs for small businesses, manufacturers, and households, threatens electric reliability and offers an unacceptable cost to consumers and the economy.” 

In December 2014, as a part of the Partnership for a Better Energy Future, ABC and other business organizations representing more than 80% of the U.S. economy, submitted comments to the EPA arguing the Clean Power Plan is not compatible with numerous practical and technical aspects of America’s electricity system. In order to foster continued growth and take full advantage of our nation’s energy potential, the Partnership urged EPA to withdraw the rule and instead use a comprehensive energy approach to support the continued provision of reliable and affordable electricity.

In addition to the final Clean Power Plan rule, the EPA issued a final rule on standards to cut carbon emissions from new, modified and reconstructed power plants. The EPA has issued the following resources regarding its actions to limit carbon pollution:

Final Clean Power Plan rule to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants

• Final rule
• Fact sheet

Final rule on Carbon Pollution Standards to cut carbon emissions from new, modified and reconstructed power plants

• Final Rule
• Fact Sheet

ABC is currently reviewing the details of the EPA’s final rules to cut carbon emissions and will provide an update following a thorough review.