Critics Say Trump Coal Rules Step Backward for Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. - The public can now comment on the Trump administration`s proposal to replace the Clean Power Plan, an Obama-era rule aimed at drastically cutting carbon emissions from coal-power plants.

Under what`s being called the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, or ACE, states would develop their own reduction goals and submit their plans within three years to the Environmental Protection Agency. Ryan Billingham, communications director with the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, says the new proposal nixes the Clean Power Plan`s specific goals for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions in each state. "It will hurt Wisconsonites," says Billingham. "I mean, we`ve witnessed the rains and flooding here recently, and we know that that`s a product in part of climate change. And this is going to roll back protections that were taking us in the exact right direction with renewable energy. "...

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Ken Notes: We need to eliminate the drastic back and forth swings in energy policy and create bipartisan or better yet non political environmental standards that improve air quality, are sustainable, and do not penalize businesses and producers. We also need policy written by energy and business experts not political wonks. I know soapbox, but really look at us -- it is embarrassing...