By 2030, the steady and responsible steps EPA is taking will cut carbon emission from the power sector by 30% nationwide below 2005 levels.

Ritesh Gupta

With the Clean Power Plan, the EPA is proposing guidelines that build on trends already underway in certain states and the power sector to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants, making them more efficient and less polluting.

By 2030, the steady and responsible steps EPA are taking are expected to cut carbon emission from the power sector by 30% nationwide below 2005 levels.

The plan will be implemented through a state-federal partnership under which states identify a path forward using either current or new electricity production and pollution control policies to meet the goals of the proposed programme.

The proposal provides guidelines for states to develop plans to meet state-specific goals to reduce carbon pollution and gives them the flexibility to design a program that makes the most sense for their unique situation.

There is a flexible timeline for states to follow for submitting plans to the agency—with plans due in June 2016, with the option to use a two-step process for submitting final plans if more time is needed.