Today President Obama unveiled his new executive action plan to promote renewable energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The full 21-page plan is available here and sets as its primary goal the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. The plan rests on what the Administration describes as “three key pillars,” including (1) cutting carbon pollution in America, (2) preparing the country for the impacts of climate change, and (3) leading international efforts to combat global climate change.
The plan’s initiatives include:
- Directing the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate regulations to limit carbon pollution from new and existing power plants.
- Directing the Department of Energy to make available $8 billion in loan guarantee authority to support investments in innovative energy efficiency technologies and to improve energy efficiency standards for appliances and buildings.
- Directing the Department of Interior to accelerate development of renewable power projects on public lands.
- Committing the federal government to assist state and local agencies to prepare for climate change impacts that are already being observed.
- Expanding international initiatives to reduce emissions from all countries.
We will follow the implementation of President Obama’s climate action plan and update you with any developments.
