EPA announces public hearing on Clean Power Plan proposed model rules

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will offer information and accept public comments on the proposed federal plan and model rules for the Clean Power Plan during a two-day public hearing in Atlanta on November 19 and 20.

The Clean Power Plan is the first federal regulation on existing power plants, which are the nation’s largest source of carbon pollution. Developed with guidance from President Obama and with consideration of the large number of public comments received, the final plan aims to cut the industry’s pollution levels by nearly a third by 2030. Additionally, the plan’s tenets will reduce soot and smog and will improve public health in the United States.

The plan sets emissions reduction goals for individual states, which are then able to create their own achievement plans. States can also opt to use the EPA’s model rules or federal plan. States that do not submit an acceptable achievement plan must use the federal one.

The November 19 and 20 public meeting will discuss the EPA’s proposed model rules and federal plan and allow those interested to make their comments in person. The hearing will run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the first day and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the second day at the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center.