Earlier this summer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first-ever rule to cut carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.
Under the new limits, Missouri would need to reduce its emissions by about 21 percent over the next 15 years.
St. Louis Public Radio’s Véronique LaCapra spoke with EPA Regional Administrator Karl Brooks about the plan, which Brooks said is designed to give states maximum flexibility.
They discussed states' options for meeting the new carbon dioxide limits; how comments from industry, state government officials, and the public could change the proposed rule; the timeline for states to come up with a plan for reducing their carbon emissions; how Missouri is responding to the proposal; and why the EPA believes cutting back on on carbon dioxide is necessary for both the environment and the economy.
You can listen to their conversation here:
The EPA recently extended the time for the public to comment on the proposed rule to Dec. 1, 2014. You can find more information about the proposal and how to submit your comments here.
Follow Véronique LaCapra on Twitter: @KWMUScience
