EPA announces a plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions

On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that they have submitted a proposal that will cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. This is an important measure in creating limits on gas linked to global warming.

Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, told the Associated Press, “The purpose of this rule is to really close the loophole on carbon pollution, reduce emissions as we've done with lead, arsenic and mercury and improve the health of the American people and unleash a new economic opportunity."

The NRDC's draft provided the basis for the EPA's new proposal. Greenhouse gases can be a harm to health and well-being of humans. The EPA proposal hopes to cut emissions by 30 percent by 2030. According to the LA Times, the new rule will still have to be put through a year-long review process.

The Obama administration hopes that introducing the new rules regarding the environment will be a call to action for other countries by involving other countries in a new international treaty. Changing greenhouse standards is pivotal for power plants. In December 2010, the Obama administration said that they hope to maintain a “modest pace” for setting new standards.

The full proposal is available at EPA.gov.