Clean Power Plan for Existing Power Plants
Rule Summary
On February 9, 2016, the Supreme Court stayed implementation of the Clean Power Plan pending judicial review. The Court’s decision was not on the merits of the rule. EPA firmly believes the Clean Power Plan will be upheld when the merits are considered because the rule rests on strong scientific and legal foundations. For the states that choose to continue to work to cut carbon pollution from power plants and seek the agency’s guidance and assistance, EPA will continue to provide tools and support. We will make any additional information available as necessary.
On August 3, 2015, President Obama and EPA announced the Clean Power Plan – a historic and important step in reducing carbon pollution from power plants that takes real action on climate change. Shaped by years of unprecedented outreach and public engagement, the final Clean Power Plan is fair, flexible and designed to strengthen the fast-growing trend toward cleaner and lower-polluting American energy. With strong but achievable standards for power plants, and customized goals for states to cut the carbon pollution that is driving climate change, the Clean Power Plan provides national consistency, accountability and a level playing field while reflecting each state’s energy mix. It also shows the world that the United States is committed to leading global efforts to address climate change.
Rule History
August 3, 2015 – Clean Power Plan Final Rule
EPA finalized the Clean Power Plan Rule to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants
- Clean Power Plan Final Rule (PDF)(304 pp, 2.7 MB, About PDF) - Federal Register - October 23, 2015
- Regulatory Impact Analysis: Clean Power Plan Final Rule
- Technical support and legal documents
- Fact sheets:
- Overview of the Clean Power Plan: Cutting Carbon Pollution from Power Plants
- Clean Power Plan: Key Changes and Improvements
- By the Numbers: Cutting Carbon Pollution from Power Plants
- Benefits of a Cleaner, More Efficient Power Sector
- Components of the Clean Power Plan: Setting State Goals to Cut Carbon Pollution
- The Role of States: States Decide How to Meet Their Goal
- Built on a Solid Legal and Scientific Foundation
- Clean Energy Now and in the Future
- Clean Energy Incentive Program
- Energy Efficiency in the Clean Power Plan
- Keeping Energy Affordable and Reliable
- Opportunities for Nuclear Power
- Renewable Energy in the Clean Power Plan
- Key Topics
- Clean Power Plan Blog Post: Power Plant Compliance and State Goals
- Press Release
August 3, 2015 – Proposed Federal Plan for the Clean Power Plan
EPA proposed a federal plan for the Clean Power Plan that will also serve as a model rule for states developing their state plans.
- Proposed Federal Plan for the Clean Power Plan (PDF)(152 pp, 1.2 MB, About PDF) – Federal Register - October 23, 2015
- Regulatory Impact Analysis: Proposed Federal Plan for the Clean Power Plan
- Technical Support Documents
- Fact sheets:
- Public hearings
Previous Actions:
- June 2014 – Clean Power Plan Proposal
June 2014 - Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule
EPA proposed the Clean Power Plan to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants
- Federal Register: Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule - June 2014
- Regulatory Impact Analysis: Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule - June 2014
- Technical support documents
- Fact sheets:
- Overview of the Clean Power Plan
- Why We Need a Cleaner More Efficient Power Sector
- Flexible Approach to Cutting Carbon Pollution
- National Framework for States: Setting State Goals to Cut Carbon Pollution
- The Role of States: States Decide How They Will Cut Carbon Pollution
- By the Numbers: Cutting Carbon Pollution From Power Plants
- EPA Connect blog:
- Press release
October 2014 - Notice of Data Availability
EPA issued a notice of data availability, commonly called a NODA, that provides additional information on certain issues raised by a diverse set of stakeholders.
- Federal Register: Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule Notice of Data Availability - Oct. 2014
- Technical support documents
- Fact Sheet: Notice of Data Availability
- Press Release
November 2014 - Rate-to-Mass Technical Support Document
EPA issued a technical document that provides two examples of how a state, area of Indian country or territory could translate its rate-based goal to total metric tons of carbon dioxide (a mass-based equivalent).
- Federal Register: Clean Power Plan Proposed Rule Notice; Additional Information Regarding the Translation of Emission Rate-Based CO2 Goals to Mass-Based Equivalents - Nov. 2014
- Technical support documents
- Fact Sheet: Translation of the State-Specific Rate-Based CO2 Goals to Mass-Based Equivalents
January 2015 - Key Dates and Proposed Federal Plan
EPA announced it will finalize the proposed Clean Power Plan by mid-summer 2015. In addition, the agency will begin the regulatory process for proposing a federal plan.
- October 2014 - Clean Power Plan Supplemental Proposal for Tribes and U.S. Territories
October 2014 - Clean Power Plan Supplemental Proposal
On October 28, 2014, EPA issued a supplemental proposal to the Clean Power Plan to address carbon pollution from affected power plants in Indian Country and U.S. territories. Like the Clean Power Plan proposal for states, this supplemental proposal sets area-specific goals for Indian country and territories and provides options for meeting those goals in a flexible manner that accommodates a diverse range of approaches.
EPA proposed the Supplemental Clean Power Plan to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants in Indian Country and U.S. territories
Additional Resources
- Clean Power Plan Toolbox for States, Tribes, and Territories
Resources to help states, tribes and territories develop plans - Clean Power Plan Community Page
Information and resources for communities to get involved in the state plan process - Webinar Series
Upcoming and recorded webinars that provide background for states as they develop their plans