What Does EPA Carbon Pollution Plan Mean for NH?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its Clean Power Plan this week to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants, which account for about one third of all domestic green house gas emissions. The plan proposes to cut carbon pollution from these sources by 30 percent below 2005 levels.

Elected leaders in New Hampshire have long complained about the Granite State being the "tailpipe" for out-of-state power plant pollution. 

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy says the plan gives states like New Hampshire flexibility to regulate carbon emissions, while working toward a cleaner and healthier environment.

"Climate change, fueled by carbon pollution, supercharges risks to our health, our economy, and our way of life. EPA is delivering on a vital piece of President Obama's Climate Action Plan by proposing a Clean Power Plan that will cut harmful carbon pollution from our largest source--power plants," McCarthy said in her June 2 announcement.

Gov. Maggie Hassan, in a statement in response to the EPA plan, said it is her hope the Clean Power Plan "levels the playing field by requiring other states to begin to catch up" with New Hampshire.

"It is also important that the Administration recognize that states need flexibility to develop their own policies to protect the health of our people and our economies. So I am encouraged that the new proposed regulations provide for state-specific solutions," Hassan said.