Maine is one of 18 states that defended the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. Supporters of the plan say it’s a landmark move to impose limits on carbon pollution and help address climate change.
If the Clean Power Plan holds up in court, it would require power plants to reduce carbon emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels. Maine Attorney General Janet Mills says upholding that standard is critical.
“The part of the plan that governs existing plants is expected to eliminate as much climate change pollution as is emitted by more than 160 million cars a year,” she says.
Mills says the Clean Power Plan is the culmination of a decadelong effort, and allows businesses flexibility in how to comply.
Two dozen states are challenging the plan, saying it will increase the cost of electricity and kill jobs.
