Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
cutting edge; we will save lives, protect and preserve our treasured natural
resources, cities, and coastlines for future generations.
What follows is a blueprint for steady, responsible national and
international action to slow the effects of climate change so we leave a cleaner,
more stable environment for future generations. It highlights progress already
set in motion by the Obama Administration to advance these goals and sets
forth new steps to achieve them.
C
UT
C
ARBON
P
OLLUTION IN
A
MERICA
In 2009, President Obama made a commitment to reduce U.S. greenhouse
gas emissions in the range of 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. The
President remains firmly committed to achieving that goal. While there is
more work to do, the Obama Administration has already made significant
progress by doubling generation of electricity from wind, solar, and
geothermal, and by establishing historic new fuel economy standards. Building
on these achievements, this document outlines additional steps the
Administration will take - in partnership with states, local communities, and
the private sector - to continue on a path to meeting the President's 2020 goal.
I. Deploying Clean Energy
Cutting Carbon Pollution from Power Plants
: Power plants are the largest
concentrated source of emissions in the United States, together accounting for
roughly one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions. We have already
set limits for arsenic, mercury, and lead, but there is no federal rule to prevent
power plants from releasing as much carbon pollution as they want. Many
states, local governments, and companies have taken steps to move to cleaner
electricity sources. More than 35 states have renewable energy targets in place,
and more than 25 have set energy efficiency targets.
Despite this progress at the state level, there are no federal standards in
place to reduce carbon pollution from power plants. In April 2012, as part of a
continued effort to modernize our electric power sector, the Obama
Administration proposed a carbon pollution standard for new power plants.
The Environmental Protection Agency's proposal reflects and reinforces the
ongoing trend towards cleaner technologies, with natural gas increasing its
share of electricity generation in recent years, principally through market
