Gov. Jack Markell (D-Delaware) voiced his support for the White House’s newly unveiled Clean Power Plan to cut carbon pollution on Monday.
“We think investing in efficiency makes a ton of sense because what you’ll see is when people use less energy, it’ll be good for their pocketbooks. We think [the Clean Power Plan] has potential, if it’s implemented well, of being a win-win-win, in terms of the economy, health and the environment," said Markell.
The Clean Power Plan aims to cut emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by the year 2030. This is goal is 9 percent higher than what Obama originally proposed a year ago. The new standards set by the plan will require every state to reduce carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants, while rewarding investments for wind and solar.
Last December, state officials also announced an ambitious plan to reduce Delaware’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by the year 2030. The First State’s coal production is low compared to the rest of the nation.
However, Delaware’s air quality is impacted by pollution coming from the Midwest’s coal-fired power plants. In April, the American Lung Association gave Delaware a failing grade for high ozone levels for the seventh year in a row. 90 percent of the pollution that causes high ozone levels comes from sources outside the First State. Ozone can cause inflammation in the lungs and breathing problems over time.
“Despite great steps from Delaware, there would be wind from the Midwest. We unfortunately get a lot of their pollution, so anything that reduces the pollutants out there will be good for us," said Markell.
Markell was one of eight governors appointed to the White House Task Force for Climate Preparedness in 2013.
