Those with the privilege of knowledge of the inner workings of Washington politics have announced that President Obama is planning to propose stricter pollution emission restrictions on U.S. power plants. The proposed restrictions would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. It would be one of the strongest moves against global warming that the U.S. has made. Those in favor argue that a passed proposal would strengthen the economy in addition to relieving health issues such as asthma and heart attacks. Republicans of course promised to block the proposal immediately.
Remarks released, the head of EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy speech suggested that passing this proposal “can raise the common denominator for a cleaner, low-carbon economy that’ll fuel growth for decades to come.” The new standards would be assessed on a state by state basis, and will be configured from data released in 2005. States would then be responsible for implementing and supervising the emissions deductions. The EPA believes that utility costs could go as high as $8.8 billion, but would result in an approximate $90 billion in climate and health benefits. According to an article by Christina Nunez of National Geographic,“The stakes are huge for the coal industry, which accounts for three quarters of those power sector emissions and stands to be hit hardest by new standards, and for states such as Kentucky and West Virginia that depend heavily on coal for power generation.”
Those in favor argue that this plan would not only reduce air pollution, but would also result in lower electricity bills as power plants would need less power to operate. Republicans argue for just the opposite, saying it will result in lost jobs and higher electricity bills. Michael Steel, spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, said “The White House scheme will raise costs and destroy American jobs.” Their opposition doesn’t really mean anything though. Republicans are determined to argue with the president, the subject is irrelevant. They’d hold their breaths if Obama care out in favor of air. Whether you believe in global warming or not, it is still every one responsibility to take care of the planet. The thought of impending doom should not be the motivation needed to do the right thing. Or is it?
Photo: Robb Kendrick / National Geographic
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