President Obama Announces Plan to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Suncor power plant off of I-270 near Denver
Photo Courtesy of Ihana Photography

Earlier this week, President Obama announced a plan to reduce carbon emissions specifically from power plants focusing on coal-fired generators. The White House released a fact sheet for the plan on Tuesday, June 25th.

President Obama stated, "The question is not whether we need to act -- the overwhelming judgment of science, of chemistry and physics and millions of measurements, has put all that to rest," he said. "The question now is whether we will have the courage to act before it's too late."

However, not everyone is a fan of the President's new plan. John Boehner, R-Ohio, told USA Today, the plan will "limit low-cost energy options, hike costs for consumers, and destroy good-paying jobs."

The plan ultimately seeks to reduce carbon emissions, but also intends to help the country adapt to climate change, and trigger international efforts to address climate change. Colorado has seen the effects of climate change in its extended drought and fire seasons.

Colorado has been taking its own steps toward reducing carbon emissions including the Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act signed by former Governor Ritter in 2010 and approved by the EPA in 2012.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant