Re-energizing Wisconsin’s clean power plan

The Clean Power Plan represents a common sense, flexible approach with widespread public support in Wisconsin and across the country.

The Washington, D.C., Circuit Court of Appeals recently heard arguments on the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan, the most significant measure our country has taken to combat the serious effects of climate change for current and future generations.

This case’s outcome will have major environmental, public health and economic ramifications for Wisconsin and the nation. Contrary to the dubious claims of financially motivated special interests who want to maintain the status quo, CPP represents a common sense, flexible approach with widespread public support in Wisconsin and across the country.

CPP sets achievable and science-based carbon pollution limits based on proven, cost-effective approaches that the energy sector has long used to reduce harmful emissions. It also provides states with extraordinary flexibility in how to best meet the targets. Nonpartisan experts note that CPP’s approach is consistent with earlier federal court precedents and EPA programs implemented by Democratic and Republican administrations. Three times, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld EPA’s authority and responsibility under the Clean Air Act to protect health and welfare by limiting carbon pollution...