The Obama administration’s new plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants is winning praise from environmental groups, mostly silence from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and sharp criticism from Gov. Scott Walker.
The new federal standards from the Environmental Protection Agency push states to reduce CO2 emissions about a third by the year 2030. The hope is to slow global climate change.
Keith Reopelle of the group Clean Wisconsin said he’s pleased with the so-called Clean Power Plan.
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“We view this as a huge victory for our children and future generations, in part because climate change really has a huge impact on public health,” he said.
Reopelle said he’s OK with changes that would give the states more time and flexibility to cut carbon emissions. The Wisconsin DNR says it’s thoroughly reviewing the rule, while Walker Monday said he’s directed Attorney General Brad Schimel to join a multi-state lawsuit against the rule. In a statement released by his presidential campaign, Walker called the rule the “Costly Power Plan.”
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