EPA seeks to cut earth-warming pollution from nation’s power plants by 30 per cent by 2030

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency is rolling out a plan to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 30 per cent by 2030, setting the first national limits on the chief gas linked to global warming.

The rule being announced Monday is expected to be finalized next year. It is a centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s plans to reduce the pollution linked to climate change, and his administration hopes it will get other countries to act when negotiations on a new international treaty resume next year.

States will have a number of options to reduce emissions, including making power plants more efficient, reducing the frequency at which coal-fired power plants supply power to the grid, and investing in more renewable, low-carbon sources of energy.