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U.S. EPA’s Carbon Rule

U.S. EPA’s Carbon Rule. How tribes can engage on Clean Air Act rulemaking to limit carbon pollution from power plants May 2014. Presentation at National Tribal Forum by National Wildlife Federation. Latest Science: Action is Overdue.

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U.S. EPA’s Carbon Rule

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  1. U.S. EPA’s Carbon Rule How tribes can engage on Clean Air Act rulemaking to limit carbon pollution from power plants May 2014 Presentation at National Tribal Forum by National Wildlife Federation

  2. Latest Science: Action is Overdue • Climate change threatens Native Peoples’ access to traditional foods • In the Southwest, particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, drought, and severe storms. • Changes to the Colorado plateau have made the Navajo nation more susceptible to drought. A dried up Trinity Lake, one of the largest reservoirs in California. Much of its water goes to agriculture and Reservations are often left dry.

  3. “In Indigenous cultures, it is understood that ecosystems are chaotic, complex, organic, in a constant state of flux, and filled with diversity. No one part of an ecosystem is considered more important than another part and all parts have synergistic roles to play. Indigenous communities say that ‘all things are connected’ – the land to the air and water, the earth to the sky, the plants to the animals, the people to the spirit.”– Patricia Cochran, Inupiat Leader

  4. Tackling the largest source of carbon pollution: power plants • Top priority of the Administration as part of the President’s Climate Action Plan • Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has the authority to regulate carbon pollution • Limits will be set for all new and existing coal and natural gas power plants

  5. The carbon rule: existing power plants • Existing power plants account for 40% of U.S. carbon pollution • Draft proposal due June 2nd. • Likely 90 day comment period • Due to be finalized by June 2015

  6. Carbon Standards Calendar 2014 Post- Election Narrative Draft Standards Released Public Comment Period Draft standards in development OMB Elections Final Standards Issued 2015 Final Standards in development OMB Congressional Review Act likely EXAMPLE TEXT State SIPs Due to EPA Post- Election Narrative 2016 Elections

  7. Power Plants & Tribal Communities 11% of existing power plants operate on or within 20 miles of reservation land 48 Tribes, 50 Reservations impacted 51 Generating Stations that are over 50 years old

  8. Power plants of interest that may be impacted by the 111(d) standard: • Four Corners Generating Station,located on the Navajo Reservation in northern New Mexico. • Navajo Generating Station, located on the Navajo Indian Reservation in northern Arizona. • Bonanza Power Plant, located near Vernal, Utah on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. • Colstrip Generating Station, located east of Billings, Montana near the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Four Corners Generating Station, in northern New Mexico. Photo Credit: HuffingtonPost.com

  9. The carbon rule: What is being discussed? • Key issues under discussion: • Mass-based versus unit-based standard • Compliance options over the fence line • Role of state Renewable Energy Standards or regional trading programs • For plants planning retirement: Worker transition

  10. The carbon rule and the future of energy • Can help spur innovation in new technologies and renewable energy • Solar, onshore and offshore wind, energy efficiency, can be part of the mix to help meet carbon pollution reductions targets.

  11. How tribes are part of the solution • Many tribes have initiatives to address climate change • Moapa solar plant: largest solar plant on tribal lands to date; generates 250 MW; employed 400 people in construction; powers 118,000 homes in L.A. • Campo tribe has two wind power projects. The Kumeyaay Wind Project has 25 turbines that generate 2MW each, saving approx. 110,000 tons of greenhouse gases

  12. Why this process is important • These rules are vitally important to protecting our communities and wildlife from climate-disrupting carbon pollution. • The EPA needs to hear from a variety of different voices and communities • The public’s input is critical in helping shape the final rule • The opposition will be strong so constructive engagement will be essential

  13. How to Participate in the Rule-Making Process • Submit written comments • Docket TBD after June 2nd • Speak at a public hearing • Locations TBD. To submit a request for a public hearing/meeting, contact: • EPA Office of Air and Radiation, Acting Assistant Administrator, Janet McCabe (202) 564-7400 • Meet with state officials (Governor’s office, State Air Directors)

  14. Weighing in with state agencies • They play a critical role in determining how the rule will be implemented • Support effective state plans • Pass Resolutions stating support and desire for formal consultation in rule implementation

  15. Garrit Voggesser, NWFNational Director Tribal Partnerships303/441-5161; voggesser@nwf.org Felice Stadler, NWFSenior Director, Climate and Energy 202/797-6692; stadler@nwf.org

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