On Monday, June 2, 2014, the Obama administration announced a plan to cut carbon emissions from power plants by nearly a third over the next 15 years. Under the proposed rule, which is expected to be finalized next year, each of the 50 states will be given the opportunity to determine how to meet specific targets set by the EPA for that individual state.  For states who decline to participate in the process, the EPA retains the authority to set standards for the state to achieve the target reduction in carbon emissions.  Under the rule, states have until 2017 to submit their proposals to the EPA, and until 2018 if they work in conjunction with neighboring states.

For more information or legal advice, please contact Steve O’Day or Phillip Hoover.  SGR will continue to publish updates to this rule as they become available.