There are those that clean the streets with brushes and those that clean with air. This partnership is laid out in the Clean Power Plan. On February 9, 2016, the Supreme Court stayed implementation of the Clean Power Plan pending judicial review. Ultimately, the energy in a hydroelectric power plant is supplied by the sun. With strong but achievable standards for power plants, and customized goals for states to cut the carbon pollution that is driving climate change, the Clean Power Plan provides national consistency, accountability and a level playing field while reflecting each state’s energy mix. Faced with climate change, the erosion of natural resources and biodiversity, and increasing pressure on water resources, we want to strengthen and amplify the natural contribution of our businesses to sustainable development. Those most vulnerable to climate related health effects – such as children, the elderly, the poor, and future generations – face disproportionate risks.10 Recent studies also find that certain communities, including low-income communities and some communities of color (more specifically, populations defined jointly by ethnic/racial characteristics and geographic location), are disproportionately affected by certain climate-change-related impacts – including heat waves, degraded air quality, and extreme weather events – which are associated with increased deaths, illnesses, and economic challenges.

The U.S. government’s May 2014 National Climate Assessment concluded that climate change impacts are already manifesting themselves and imposing losses and costs.9 The report documents increases in extreme weather and climate events in recent decades, with resulting damage and disruption to human well-being, infrastructure, ecosystems, and agriculture, and projects continued increases in impacts across a wide range of communities, sectors, and ecosystems. The National Research Council (NRC) and other scientific bodies have emphasized that it is important to take initial steps to reduce greenhouse gases without delay because, once emitted, greenhouse gases persist in the atmosphere for long time periods. EPA’s air research provides the critical science to develop and implement outdoor air regulations under the Clean Air Act and puts new tools and information in the hands of air quality managers and regulators to protect the air we breathe. EPA strengthened the air quality standards for ground-level ozone in October 2015 based on extensive scientific evidence about ozone’s effects.

The standards will reduce atmospheric levels of ozone, fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and toxic pollution. For unhealthy peak levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, EPA is working with states and others on ways to determine where and how often unhealthy peaks occur. To reflect new scientific studies, EPA revised the national air quality standards for fine particles (2006, 2012), ground-level ozone (2008, 2015), sulfur dioxide (2010), nitrogen dioxide (2010), and lead (2008). After the scientific review, EPA decided to retain the existing standards for carbon monoxide. EPA is working with states to improve data to support implementation of the 2010 sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide standards. The gasoline sulfur standard will enable more stringent vehicle emissions standards and will make emissions control systems more effective. Airborne lead pollution, a nationwide health concern before EPA phased out lead in motor vehicle gasoline under Clean Air Act authority, now meets national air quality standards except in areas near certain large lead-emitting industrial facilities.

For areas not meeting the national air quality standards, states are required to adopt state implementation plan revisions containing measures needed to meet the standards as expeditiously as practicable and within time periods specified in the Clean Air Act (except that plans are not required for areas with “marginal” ozone levels). EPA and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration between 2010 and 2012 issued the first national greenhouse gas emission standards and fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks for model years 2012-2025, and for medium- and heavy-duty trucks for 2014-2018. Proposed truck standards for 2018 and beyond were announced in June 2015. EPA is also responsible for developing and implementing regulations to ensure that transportation fuel sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel. Cleaner fuel makes possible the use of new vehicle emission control technologies and cuts harmful emissions in existing vehicles.