EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said energy would be “reliable and affordable” under President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, saving Americans $85 on their utility bills in 2030.
“With our plan, the nation is on track to slash carbon pollution from the power sector 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030—all while keeping energy reliable and affordable,” McCarthy said during a Resources for the Future’s Policy Leadership Forum.
McCarthy explained that the Clean Power Plan sets “uniform emissions rates” for comparable power plants across the country.
“We use the same rate for every coal-fired plant, no matter what state it’s in, and we use the same rate for gas-fired plants,” she said.
“This guarantees that there is equity and fairness across the board. It is how we do our business but we know every state isn’t starting in the same place. Some states generate more of their power from renewables, some from natural gas, nuclear, coal, and so on,” she added.
The EPA has estimated that the average American family would see $85 in savings on their utility bills in 2030 as a result of the plan.
“All told, climate benefits from the Clean Power Plan will save the country billions of dollars, and far, far outweigh its costs. It’s a win all around,” she said.
McCarthy said the EPA is well aware that “special-interest critics” are dusting off their “same-old tired playbooks” and arguing that the U.S. should focus on the economy at the expense of the environment.
“They’ll claim our plan will shut the lights off, or send utility bills through the roof. Well, they are absolutely wrong,” she said.
“No one should be saying that we have to move the economy forward at the expense of the environment. It’s been proven time and again: a healthy environment is the foundation of a strong economy,” she added.
McCarthy said the Clean Power Plan would lead to less suffering.
“We’ll see thousands fewer premature deaths, asthma attacks, and missed school days and work days,” she said.
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