EPA to Hold Public Hearings on Clean Power Plan

EPA News Release:

CONTACT:Enesta Jones (News Media only)Jones.enesta@epa.gov 202-564-7873 202-564-4355 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 28, 2014 EPA to Hold Public Hearings on Clean Power Plan Public hearings being held in Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Denver and Washington, D.C.  WASHINGTON –  Starting tomorrow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold four, two-day public hearings, across the country on the proposed Clean Power Plan. The hearings will be held in Washington D.C., Atlanta, Denver and Pittsburgh, and will provide the opportunity for interested parties to comment on the proposed rule before it takes effect. The Washington D.C. hearing will be held on July 29 and 30. At the direction of President Obama and after an unprecedented outreach effort, EPA released the Clean Power Plan, which for the first time seeks to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants, the single largest source of carbon pollution in the United States. EPA predicts that when the proposed plan is fully implemented in 2030, carbon emissions from these sources will be 30 percent below 2005 levels. The proposal will protect public health, move the United States toward a cleaner environment and fight climate change while supplying Americans with reliable and affordable power. EPA has received around 300,000 comments on the proposal, and anticipates hearing oral comments from about 1,600 people. Each location will have two rooms to accommodate attendees and as many speakers as possible. Speaking slots are still available in Pittsburgh; however, all speaking times for Washington, D.C., Denver and Atlanta are fully booked. People can comment on the proposal by email, fax or letter: EPA considers all comments equally, no matter how they are submitted. The comment period on the proposal is open until October 16, 2014. WHO: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WHAT: Public hearing in Washington, D.C. on the proposed Clean Power Plan WHEN: July 29-30, 2014 The hearings will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 8 p.m. EDT WHERE: William Jefferson Clinton East Building, Room 1153 1201 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20004 MEDIA RSVP: All media who would like to attend the public hearing in Washington, D.C. should RSVP topress@epa.gov by 5 p.m. EDT on July 28, so we can include your name on our security list. Please bring picture identification and allow additional time to enter the buildings and go through security. A large number of attendees are expected, and space will be first-come, first-serve. Speaking schedules will be posted prior to the meeting. More information about the hearing closest to you as well as what constitutes valid photo identification for entering federal facilities. Staff will be available to accommodate interested attendees who need assistance with federal ID requirements: http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards/forms/public-hearings-clean-power-plan-proposed-rule Instructions for submitting comments in writing: http://go.usa.gov/XzNH R187