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For Immediate Release June 25, 2013 The White House Office of the Press Secretary 

# Presidential Memorandum -- Power Sector Carbon Pollution Standards

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY SUBJECT: Power Sector Carbon Pollution Standards With every passing day, the urgency of addressing c limate change intensifies. I made clear in my State of the Union address that my Administration is committed to reducing carbon pollution that causes climate chang e, preparing our communities for the WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA Page 1 of 4 Presidential Memorandum

-- Power Sector Carbon Pollution Standards | whitehouse.gov

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...the consequences of climate change, and speeding th e transition to more

sustainable sources of energy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has alrea dy undertaken such action with regard to carbon pollution from the transporta tion sector, issuing Clean Air Act standards limiting the greenhouse gas emissions of new cars and light trucks through 2025 and heavy duty trucks through 2018. Th e EPA standards were promulgated in conjunction with the Department of T ransportation, which, at the same time, established fuel efficiency standards fo r cars and trucks as part of a harmonized national program. Both agencies engaged constructively with auto manufacturers, labor unions, States, and other stakeh olders, and the resulting standards have received broad support. These standa rds will reduce the Nation's carbon pollution and dependence on oil, and also le ad to greater innovation, economic growth, and cost savings for American fami lies. The United States now has the opportunity to addres s carbon pollution from the power sector, which produces nearly 40 percent of s uch pollution. As a country, we can continue our progress in reducing power plant p ollution, thereby improving public health and protecting the environment, while supplying the reliable, affordable power needed for economic growth and advancing clea ner energy technologies, such as efficient natural gas, nuclear power, renewa bles such as wind and solar energy, and clean coal technology. Investments in these technologies will also strengt hen our economy, as the clean and efficient production and use of electricity wil l ensure that it remains reliable and affordable for American businesses and families. By the authority vested in me as President by the C onstitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to reduce po wer plant carbon pollution, building on actions already underway in States and the power sector, I hereby direct the following: Section 1. Flexible Carbon Pollution Standards for Power Plants. (a) Carbon Pollution Standards for Future Power Plants. On Apr il 13, 2012, the EPA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled "Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions for New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units," 77 Fed. Reg. 22392. In light of the information convey ed in more than two million comments on that proposal and ongoing developments in the industry, you have indicated EPA's intention to issue a new proposal. I therefore direct you to issue a new proposal by no later than September 20, 2013. I further direct you to issue a final rule in a timely fashion after considering al l public comments, as appropriate. (b) Carbon Pollution Regulation for Modified, Recon structed, and Existing Power Plants. To ensure continued progress in reducing ha rmful carbon pollution, I direct you to use your authority under sections 111(b) and 111(d) of the Clean Air Act to Page 2 of 4 Presidential Memorandum

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...issue standards, regulations, or guidelines, as app ropriate, that address carbon

pollution from modified, reconstructed, and existin g power plants and build on State efforts to move toward a cleaner power sector. In a ddition, I request that you: (i) issue proposed carbon pollution standards, regu lations, or guidelines, as appropriate, for modified, reconstructed, and exist ing power plants by no later than June 1, 2014; (ii) issue final standards, regulations, or guideli nes, as appropriate, for modified, reconstructed, and existing power plants by no late r than June 1, 2015; and (iii) include in the guidelines addressing existing p ower plants a requirement that States submit to EPA the implementation plans requi red under section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act and its implementing regulations by n o later than June 30, 2016. (c) Development of Standards, Regulations, or Guide lines for Power Plants. In developing standards, regulations, or guidelines pu rsuant to subsection (b) of this section, and consistent with Executive Orders 12866 of September 30, 1993, as amended, and 13563 of January 18, 2011, you shall e nsure, to the greatest extent possible, that you: (i) launch this effort through direct engagement wi th States, as they will play a central role in establishing and implementing stand ards for existing power plants, and, at the same time, with leaders in the power se ctor, labor leaders, nongovernmental organizations, other experts, tribal o fficials, other stakeholders, and members of the public, on issues informing the desig n of the program; (ii) consistent with achieving regulatory objective s and taking into account other relevant environmental regulations and policies tha t affect the power sector, tailor regulations and guidelines to reduce costs; (iii) develop approaches that allow the use of mark et-based instruments, performance standards, and other regulatory flexibil ities; (iv) ensure that the standards enable continued reli ance on a range of energy sources and technologies; (v) ensure that the standards are developed and imp lemented in a manner consistent with the continued provision of reliable and affordable electric power for consumers and businesses; and (vi) work with the Department of Energy and other F ederal and State agencies to promote the reliable and affordable provision of el ectric power through the continued development and deployment of cleaner technologies a nd by increasing energy efficiency, including through stronger appliance ef ficiency standards and other measures. Page 3 of 4 Presidential Memorandum

-- Power Sector Carbon Pollution Standards | whitehouse.gov

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...Sec. 2. General Provisions. (a) This memorandum sha ll be implemented consistent

with applicable law, including international trade obligations, and subject to the availability of appropriations. (b) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed t o impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to a department, a gency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals

. (c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does no t, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entiti es, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (d) You are hereby authorized and directed to publi sh this memorandum in the Federal Register

. BARACK OBAMA

Learn more:

• View the Full PDF of the President's Climate Action Plan

• Watch President Obama's Climate Change Speech

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