Communities the Key to the New Clean Power Plan
The new clean power plan set forth by the Obama Administration this week is already being lauded as the biggest climate policy proposal in US history—even a legacy-maker for the President. While most of the media’s attention has been focused on the national and global consequences of the new plan, many are missing the local, regional, and state-wide implications. One of the key elements of the plan is granting states the ability to develop their own unique approach to meeting emission targets—allowing regional and local governments to determine the best path to climate solutions for their community.
Additionally, focus placed on the consequences of climate change have shifted to the effects on residents and communities across the country. Discussions about the cost of energy to consumers, and the health implications of decreased emissions, are now driving the political discourse on climate action.
With the effects of climate change action and inaction now focused on communities, and initial solutions to climate change within the grasp of local, state and regional municipalities—climate change is, more than ever before, in the hands of local community and government leaders. To learn more about how leaders can effectively seize this opportunity, check out the resources, and join others at Path to Positive Communities!
Obama Targets Carbon Footprints, Unveils New Clean Power Plan
By Alexandra Silets and Sean Keenehan | WTTW | August 3, 2015
President Obama on Monday unveiled his ambitious Clean Power Plan.
The new national standards aim to reduce carbon emissions by 32 percent by 2030 by shifting to renewable energy sources of wind and solar power. But energy industry opponents have vowed to litigate.