Advocates respond to McCrory administration’s assault on Clean Power Plan

With the devastating impacts of global warming starting to flood in (literally and figuratively) like water off a rapidly melting glacier, the administration of Gov. Pat McCrory continues to do the destructive bidding of the fossil fuels industry. Rather than capitalizing on our state’s natural advantages and moving rapidly to deploy sustainable energy like solar power, the McCrory team is, sadly (even tragically), doing what it can to undermine the federal EPA’s delayed and still inadequate Clean Power Plan. The good folks at the Sierra Club explain today’s developments:

EMC backs McCrory administration draft carbon rules
Draft rules expected to be rejected by the EPA

RALEIGH – Earlier today, the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) approved the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) plan to move forward with a state Clean Power Plan rule that is designed to be rejected by US EPA. The Commission also agreed to waive their normal internal 30 day review period for the agency’s draft proposal to meet carbon dioxide emissions reductions known as the Clean Power Plan. The EMC also approved the draft plan proposed by the agency, opening the rule to a period of public comment as required by state law.

“Rather than make an honest effort to reduce carbon emissions, the McCrory administration would rather use taxpayer money and resources to pick a fight with the EPA,” said Molly Diggins, state director of the NC Sierra Club. “In order to meet a false deadline to pursue a politically charged lawsuit, the Commission gave up its own 30 day opportunity to study the rule, and scheduled public hearings at the peak of the holiday season.”

During presentations to the EMC, DEQ staff made it clear that the draft Clean Power Plan only uses one path of reducing carbon dioxide emissions: greater efficiency at coal fired power plants. The EPA’s rule allows states to use three pathways (known as building blocks) to reduce carbon emissions, including natural gas and clean energy generation. DEQ has rejected the other options due to their legal quarrel with EPA.

“Our state has a booming clean energy sector that can help create jobs, lower utility bills, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. But rather than move our state forward, Governor McCrory’s administration is intentionally submitting a plan that they know the EPA will reject,” added Diggins. “This is not a good use of time, money, or energy for our state. We should be making a legitimate effort to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and do our part in addressing climate change.”

The EPA Clean Power Plan requires NC to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by millions of tons; the draft plan only achieves 0.4% of the required reductions, according to DEQ officials.

“Today’s action will cost the state countless dollars to litigate the rule, without taking significant steps to reduce our carbon emissions in the meantime. This entire process is disrespectful of the public input and basic tenants of good governance,” added Diggins.