Environmentalists Push State Agencies To Support EPA Carbon Emissions Plan

Environmentalists and others are asking the Department of Natural Resources and Public Service Commission to get behind President Barack Obama’s plan to combat climate change.

Obama’s plan could reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Wisconsin by about one-third from 2012 levels by the year 2030. Environmental groups have called the proposed reduction reasonable and hope for more pollution reductions at coal-fired power plants, more use of natural-gas fired plants, and more emphasis on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Keith Reopelle of Clean Wisconsin argues the DNR and PSC should recognize the plan’s many benefits, which he said include “protecting public health and protecting our natural resources.”

Some religious groups and doctors have also supported the environmentalists’ request.

A DNR spokesman said the DNR and PSC are still evaluating the proposed carbon rule and intend to submit formal comments to the EPA by the Dec. 1 deadline.