Introduction

On August 3, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a prepublication version (i.e., not yet published in the Federal Register) of its final rule, known as the Clean Power Plan (CPP), pursuant to Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.¹ The CPP final rule establishes regulations that would reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions or emission rates from existing electricity generating units (EGUs).

In general, an affected EGU is a fossil-fuel-fired unit (e.g., coal, oil, or natural gas) that was in operation or had commenced construction as of January 8, 2014;² has a generating capacity above a certain threshold; and sells a certain amount of its electricity generation to the electric grid. EPA estimates that in 2030, the CPP will result in a 32% reduction in CO₂ emissions from the electric power sector in the United States compared to 2005 levels.³ By comparison, in its proposed rule, EPA had estimated that in 2030, the rule would have resulted in a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions from the electric power sector in the United States compared to 2005 levels.⁴

The proposed rule received considerable attention from Congress, state officials, and a wide spectrum of stakeholders. EPA conducted hundreds of stakeholder meetings and received 4.3 million comments on the proposal.⁵

The CPP final rule is substantially different from the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on June 18, 2014.⁶ This report provides an initial analysis of EPA's final rule, summarizing highlights and identifying differences between the final and proposed rules. The topics discussed do not represent an exhaustive list of the differences from the proposed rule or the support or opposition that may be raised by various stakeholders. This report does not provide a legal analysis of the final rule.⁷

Highlights and Differences from the Proposed Rule

State Plan Requirements and Options

Contents

• Introduction
• Final Rule Highlights
• State Plan Requirements and Options
• Federal Implementation Plan
• Timing Requirements for State Targets
• National Performance Standards
• State-Specific Targets
• EPA's Methodology
• National Performance Standards
• Building Blocks
• Emission Rate and Mass-Based Target Creation
• 2012 Baseline
• Renewable Energy Treatment
• Energy Efficiency Treatment
• Nuclear Power Treatment
• Biomass Treatment
• Clean Energy Incentive Program
• Electricity Reliability

Figures

• Figure 1. State-Specific Emission Rate Targets in 2030 Compared to 2012 Emission Rate Baselines
• Figure 2. Regions in EPA's Methodology

Tables

• Table 1. National CO₂ Performance Rates
• Table A-1. State-Specific Emission Rate Targets (2030) and Reduction Requirements Compared to 2012 Baselines
• Table A-2. 2012 CO₂ Emission Baselines and 2030 CO₂ Emission Targets

Appendixes

• Appendix. Additional Information

Summary

On August 3, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized regulations that address carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the electric power sector. The Clean Power Plan (CPP) final rule requires states to submit plans that would reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions or emission rates—measured in pounds of CO₂ emissions per megawatt-hour of electricity generation—from existing fossil fuel electricity generating units. EPA estimates that in 2030, the CPP will result in CO₂ emission levels from the electric power sector that are 32% below 2005 levels.

The CPP is the subject of ongoing litigation in which a number of states and other entities have challenged the rule. On February 9, 2016, the Supreme Court stayed the CPP for the duration of the litigation. The CPP therefore currently lacks enforceability or legal effect, and if the rule is ultimately upheld, at least some of the deadlines would have to be delayed.

For example, the final rule established a deadline of September 6, 2016, for states to submit to EPA plans to comply with the rule with the option for a two-year extension (September 6, 2018). If a state fails to submit a satisfactory plan by EPA's regulatory deadline, the Clean Air Act directs EPA to prescribe a plan for the state, often described as a federal implementation plan.

Emission reductions are scheduled to begin in 2022, giving the states two additional years (compared to the proposed rule) before their plans must go into effect.

The 2015 final rule's state-specific targets are substantially different from those in the 2014 EPA proposed rule. For example, EPA's final rule establishes uniform national CO₂ emission performance rates for each of the two subcategories of electricity generating units—fossil-fuel-fired electric steam generating units (whether coal, oil, or natural gas) and stationary combustion turbines (natural gas combined cycle)—affected by the rule. These standards are the underpinnings for the state-specific emission rate and mass-based targets, which, as a result, are considerably different from the proposed rule.

The final rule's state targets imply lower percentage reductions for some states, while implied percentage reductions are higher for others states compared to the proposed rule. The state-specific targets differ, because EPA altered its methodology (i.e., underlying calculations and assumptions) compared to the proposed rule. For example, EPA eliminated "building block" 4 (energy efficiency improvements) and other "building blocks."

In the final rule, EPA continues to use 2012 data as the baseline for calculated state targets. However, the agency made several state-specific adjustments to address concerns raised by stakeholders.

EPA also modified its treatment of nuclear power in the final rule, removing both "at risk" and under-construction nuclear power from the emission rate calculations. EPA clarified that the final rule would allow the generation from under-construction units, new nuclear units, and capacity upgrades to help states meet their compliance objectives.

EPA would allow states to use "qualified biomass" as a means of meeting state-specific reduction requirements. This appears to be a narrower approach to biomass than in the proposed rule.

The final rule contains a provision for a reliability "safety valve" for individual power plants. This mechanism would allow for a 90-day reprieve from emissions limits in an emergency situation.

In addition, EPA created a new program to encourage states to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects (in low-income communities) in 2020 and 2021.

EPA's Clean Power Plan: Highlights of the Final Rule

Introduction

On August 3, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized regulations to address carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions—or CO₂ emission rates—at existing electricity generating units (EGUs).¹ The rule, known as the Clean Power Plan (CPP), appeared in the Federal Register on October 23, 2015.²

EPA cites Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA)³ as the statutory authority for the rulemaking. EPA estimates that in 2030, the CPP will result in a 32% reduction in CO₂ emissions from the electric power sector in the United States compared to 2005 levels.⁴

Mass-Based Targets and Emission Rate Targets A key decision states face under the CPP is whether to meet compliance with a mass-based target or an emission rate target. An emission rate target is measured in pounds of CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generation. A mass-based target is measured in short tons of CO2 emissions. In its CPP final rule, EPA calculates state-specific emission rate targets and uses those targets to generate equivalent state-specific mass-based targets.

The CPP has generated considerable controversy and garnered interest from Congress and a wide range of stakeholders. After EPA proposed the CPP in 2014,⁵ the agency received more than 4.2 million public comments. Some Members in the 114^th Congress have made several attempts to block the implementation of the CPP. In particular, after EPA published its CPP final rule in 2015, both the Senate and the House passed a resolution of disapproval pursuant to the Congressional Review Act.⁶ President Obama vetoed the resolution in December 2015. If enacted, the resolution would have prohibited the CPP rulemaking from taking effect.

The CPP is the subject of ongoing litigation in which a number of states and other entities have challenged the rule, while other states and entities have intervened in support of the rule. Opponents of the rule applied to the Supreme Court in late January 2016 for an immediate stay of the CPP final rule. In a move that surprised many observers, the Supreme Court issued a stay of the final rule until the legal challenges have been resolved.⁷ Therefore, the CPP deadlines (discussed below) do not have legal effect and will likely be delayed if the rule is ultimately upheld.

This report provides a brief analysis of EPA's final rule, summarizing highlights and identifying differences between the final and proposed rules. The topics discussed do not represent an exhaustive list of the differences from the proposed rule or the support or opposition that may be raised by various stakeholders. This report does not provide a legal analysis of the final rule.

For a more comprehensive analysis of the CPP, see CRS Report R44341, EPA's Clean Power Plan for Existing Power Plants: Frequently Asked Questions, by [author name scrubbed] et al. For a detailed discussion of the legal issues, see CRS Report R44480, Clean Power Plan: Legal Background and Pending Litigation in West Virginia v. EPA, by [author name scrubbed].

In addition, other CRS reports provide more detailed information about particular topics related to the CPP:

• CRS Report R44607, EPA's Clean Energy Incentive Program: Background and Legal Developments, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed].
• CRS Report R44451, U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emission Trends and the Role of the Clean Power Plan, by [author name scrubbed].
• CRS Insight IN10578, Coal Use Already Near EPA's 2030 Projection, by [author name scrubbed].
• CRS Report R44265, EPA's Clean Power Plan: Implications for the Electric Power Sector, by [author name scrubbed].
• CRS In Focus IF10280, The Clean Power Plan (CPP): The Treatment of Biomass, by [author name scrubbed].

Final Rule Highlights State Plan Requirements and Options⁸

Under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), states must establish performance standards that reflect the "best system of emission reduction" (BSER) that the EPA Administrator determines has been adequately demonstrated, taking into account costs and any non-air-quality health and environmental impacts and energy requirements.

The final rule requires states to submit to EPA either an initial plan or final plan by September 6, 2016. Like the proposed rule, statesStates can submit either individual plans or multi-state plans. If a state submits an initial plan in 2016, the state can seek an extension from EPA to submit its final plan by September 6, 2018. If EPA grants the extension, the state must submit a progress report by September 6, 2017. By comparison, the proposed rule would have allowed states to receive a one-year extension for submitting their final plan and a two-year extension if states submitted a multi-state plan.

The final rule allows states to select from two types of plans, described by EPA as (1) an "emission standards" approach or (2) a "state measures" approach.⁸9 If a state chooses the emission standards approach, the state would implement the federally enforceable emission rate standards (discussed below) directly at the affected EGUs in the state. This approach could involve multiple states and an emission rate trading system or a mass-based trading system.

Emission Rate Targets and Mass-Based Targets An emission rate target is measured in pounds of CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generation. EPA uses the state-specific emission rate targets to calculate equivalent state-specific mass-based targets, which are measured in metric tons of CO2. Although EPA's emission rates are in pounds per megawatt-hour, most national and international measures of CO2 emissions are provided in metric tons. One metric ton is approximately 2,205 pounds.

A state measures approach allows a state to achieve the equivalent of the CO₂ emission standards approach by using some combination of federally enforceable standards for EGUs and elements that would be enforceable only under state laws. Examples of such elements include renewable energy and/or energy efficiency requirements that could be applied to affected EGUs or other entities. A plan that employs the state measures approach requires the inclusion of federally enforceable standards that would take effect if the state measures approach did not achieve the required result. If a state uses the state measures approach, the state must use a mass-based target "to provide certainty that the state measures are achieving the required emission reductions."⁹10 Multi-state systems are allowed with this approach as well.¹⁰

Timing Requirements for State Targets

The proposed rule set a final emission rate target for each state for 2030 and an interim target to be achieved "on average" between 2020 and 2029. In EPA's final rule the interim targets would be measured between 2022 and 2029, effectively giving the states an additional two years before reductions are necessary. As discussed below, EPA created a new program (the Clean Energy Incentive Program) in the final rule to encourage states to take action in 2020 and 2021.

12 This proposal appeared in the Federal Register on October 23, 2015.¹³ As of the date of this report, EPA has not finalized this rule.

A FIP would require compliance by individual EGUs in the affected state and would establish a trading program that could be used by affected EGUs to meet those limits. According to EPA, the stringency of the federal plan would be the same as the national CO₂ emission performance rates specified in the CPP.¹⁴

Timing Requirements for State Targets

EPA's final rule directs states to establish interim targets that would be measured between 2022 and 2029. EPA's proposed CPP rule set an interim target to be achieved "on average" between 2020 and 2029. Thus, the final rule effectively gives the states an additional two years before reductions are necessary.

In addition, the final rule requires states to demonstrate their progress in implementing a gradual application of BSER with "glide paths" that the states identify for reductions in three time periods: 2022-2024, 2025-2027, and 2028-2029. The interim target is, nonetheless, to be achieved using the average of the eight-year interim period.

National Performance Standards

A major change in EPA's final rule compared with the proposed rule is its core of what EPA called "a traditional, performance-based approach to establishing emission guidelines for affected sources."¹²15 The final rule establishes uniform national CO₂ emission performance rates (measured in pounds of CO₂ per MWh of electricity generation) for each of the two subcategories of EGUs—fossil-fuel-fired electric steam generating units (e.g., coal, oil, or natural gas units) and stationary combustion turbines (e.g., natural gas combined cycle units)—affected by the rule. These standards are the underpinnings for the state-specific emission rates and mass-based targets. The methodology for these targets is discussed below.

State-Specific Targets

Like the proposed rule, EPA's final rule contains state-specific emission rate targets and mass-based targets. These targets apply to the state's total electricity portfolio (which can include generation from renewables and nuclear power), not the individual units, as with the national performance standards (above). The interim and final targets, however, differ from the ones in the proposed rule. Table A-1 lists each state's 2012 baseline, its 2030 emission rate target, and the implied percentage reduction required to achieve the 2030 target. The mass-based targets are based on the emission rate targets and are provided in Table A-2.

For comparison purposes, Table A-1 also lists the same information from the proposed rule. The final rule implies lower percentage reduction requirements for some states and implies higher percentage reduction requirements for others compared to the proposed rule.

¹⁶

Figure 1 compares the state-specific emission rate targets in 2030 (the dark-colored columns) with the state-specific emission rate baselines in 2012 (the combined dark- and light-colored columns). The light-colored columns illustrate the emission rate reductions required by 2030.

The states on the left side of the figure have the largest emission rate reduction requirements compared to their 2012 baseline; the states on the right side have the smallest reduction requirement.

EPA did not establish emission rate goals for Vermont and the District of Columbia because they do not currently have affected EGUs. In its final rule, EPA stated that Alaska, Hawaii, and the two U.S. territories with affected EGUs (Guam and Puerto Rico) will not be required to submit state plans on the schedule required by the final rule. EPA asserts it "does not possess all of the information or analytical tools needed to quantify" the BSERs for these areas. EPA stated it will "determine how to address the requirements of section 111(d) with respect to these jurisdictions at a later time."¹⁷

In addition, EPA crafted emission rate targets for three areas of Indian country. The tribes have "the opportunity, but not the obligation," to establish and submit plans to meet their emission rate targets. If a tribe does not seek authority to submit its own plan, EPA is responsible for establishing a plan if the agency determines at a later date that "a plan is necessary or appropriate."¹⁸

Figure 1. State-Specific Emission Rate Targets in 2030 Compared to 2012 Emission Rate Baselines States Listed in Order of Their 2012 Emission Rate Baselines (High to Low)

Source: Prepared by CRS; final rule target and baseline data from EPA, CO2 Emission Performance Rate and Goal Computation Technical Support Document for CPP Final Rule (August 2015) and accompanying spreadsheets, http://www2.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan/clean-power-plan-final-rule-technical-documents. NotesNote: The dark-colored columns illustrate the state-specific emission rate targets in 2030. The combined dark- and light-colored columns illustrate the state-specific emission rate baselines in 2012. The light-colored columns illustrate the emission rate reduction requirements states must achieve by 2030. EPA did not establish emission rate goals for Vermont and the District of Columbia because they do not currently have affected EGUs. Although Alaska and Hawaii have targets in the proposed rule, in its final rule, EPA stated that Alaska, Hawaii, and the two U.S. territories with affected EGUs (Guam and Puerto Rico) will not be required to submit state plans on the schedule required by the final rule, because EPA "does not possess all of the information or analytical tools needed to quantify" the best system of emission reduction for these areas. EPA stated it will "determine how to address the requirements of section 111(d) with respect to these jurisdictions at a later time."

EPA did not establish emission rate goals for Vermont and the District of Columbia because they do not currently have affected EGUs. In EPA's Methodology

The methodology (i.e., underlying calculations and assumptions) in the final rule that EPA used to create (1) the national CO₂ emission performance rates and (2) the state-specific emission rate and mass-based targets is considerably different from EPA's methodology in its proposed rule. Although an in-depth comparison between the two approaches is beyond the scope of this report,¹⁹ some initial observations are included below.

National Performance Standards In its final rule, EPA established CO₂ emission performance standards for two subcategories of affected sources: (1) fossil-fuel-fired electric steam generating units (e.g., coal- and oil-fired units) and (2) stationary combustion turbines—namely, natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) units. To derive the BSER on which these rates were based, EPA divided the states into three regions, illustrated in Figure 2, and compiled 2012 data—CO₂ emissions and electricity generation—from each source in each state.

Figure 2. Regions in EPA's Methodology Source: Reproduced from EPA, Overview of the Clean Power Plan: Cutting Carbon Pollution from Power Plants, August 2015, http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cpp/fs-cpp-overview.pdf. The figure has a minor error, as the Texas region should be labeled as the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Interconnection. Notes: EPA did not establish emission rate goals for Vermont and the District of Columbia because they do not currently have affected EGUs. Although Alaska and Hawaii had targets in the proposed rule, in its final rule, EPA stated that Alaska, Hawaii, and the two U.S. territories with affected EGUs (Guam and Puerto Rico) will not be required to submit state plans on the schedule required by the final rule. EPA asserts it, because EPA "does not possess all of the information or analytical tools needed to quantify" the BSERsbest system of emission reduction for these areas. EPA stated it will "determine how to address the requirements of section 111(d) with respect to these jurisdictions at a later time."¹³

In addition, EPA crafted emission rate targets for three areas of Indian country. The tribes have "the opportunity, but not the obligation," to establish and submit plans to meet their emission rate targets. If a tribe does not seek authority to submit its own plan, EPA is responsible for establishing a plan if the agency determines at a later date that "a plan is necessary or appropriate."¹⁴

EPA's Methodology

The methodology (i.e., underlying calculations and assumptions) in the final rule that EPA used to create (1) the national CO₂ emission performance rates and (2) the state-specific emission rate (and mass-based) targets is considerably different than EPA's methodology in its proposed rule. Although an in-depth comparison between the two approaches is beyond the scope of this report,¹⁵ some initial observations are included below.

In its proposed rule, EPA applied four "building blocks" to the state 2012 baselines to generate emission rate targets for each state. The four building blocks in the June 2014 proposed rule involved estimates of various opportunities for states to decrease their emission rates:

• 1. Coal-fired power plant efficiency improvements;
• 2. Natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) displacement of more carbon-intensive sources, particularly coal;
• 3. Increased use of renewable energy and preservation of existing and under-construction nuclear power; and
• 4. Energy efficiency improvements.

In its final rule, EPA eliminated building block 4 Building Blocks

Both the final and proposed rules included "building blocks" in the underlying calculations. In its final rule, EPA applied three building blocks to the aggregated regional data:

• Building block 1: EPA applied heat rate improvements to coal-fired EGUs, improving their overall emission rate. The improvements vary by region from 2.1% to 4.3%.
• Building block 2: EPA assumed that NGCC generation would increase to a specific ceiling, displacing an equal amount of generation from steam units (primarily coal). Note that in the final rule, EPA applies building block 3 before building block 2, dampening the impact of building block 2.
• Building block 3: EPA projected annual increases in renewable energy generation, which resulted in corresponding decreases in generation from affected EGUs. EPA based the future increases on renewable energy generation increases between 2010 and 2014.

In its final rule, EPA eliminated building block 4 (demand-side energy efficiency improvements in the commercial and residential sectors) and modified the components in building blocks 1-3. In particular, the renewable energy assumptions (building block 3) changed dramatically in the final rule. According to EPA, the final rule's renewable energy generation level in 2030 is more than twice the level in the proposed rule.¹⁶20 In addition, EPA assumed a coal-fired plant efficiency improvement of 6% in the proposed rule (building block 1), while the final rule includes region-specific improvements that range from 2.1% to 4.3%. The natural gas generation assumptions in building block 2 changed as well.

In its final rule, EPA establishedEPA's building block application produced annual CO₂ emission performance standards for two subcategories of affected sources: (1) fossil-fuel-fired electric steam generating units (e.g., coal- and oil-fired units) and (2) stationary combustion turbines (e.g., natural gas combined cycle units). To derive the BSER on which these rates were based, EPA divided the states into three regions, illustrated in Figure 2 and compiled 2012 data—CO₂ emissions and electricity generation—from each source in each state. Using the final rule's new building block applications, EPA calculated annual emission rates for each source type in each of the three regions. EPA's final rule uses the least stringent emission rate for each source as the national performance standard for each fossil fuel source.

To generate state-specific emission rate targets, EPA applied the annual performance rates to each state's baseline (2012) fossil fuel generation mix. These state-specific emission rate targets are listed in Table A-1.

Figure 2. Regions in EPA's Methodology

Source: Reproduced from EPA, Overview of the Clean Power Plan: Cutting Carbon Pollution from Power Plants, August 2015, http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cpp/fs-cpp-overview.pdf. The figure has a minor error, as the Texas region should be labeled as the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Interconnection. Notes: EPA did not establish emission rate goals for Vermont and the District of Columbia because they do not currently have affected EGUs. Although Alaska and Hawaii have targets in the proposed rule, in its final rule, EPA stated that Alaska, Hawaii, and the two U.S. territories with affected EGUs (Guam and Puerto Rico) will not be required to submit state plans on the schedule required by the final rule, because EPA "does not possess all of the information or analytical tools needed to quantify" the best system of emission reduction for these areas. EPA stated it will "determine how to address the requirements of section 111(d) with respect to these jurisdictions at a later time."

rates for steam and NGCC units in each region. EPA compared the rates in each of the three regions and chose the least stringent regional rate as the national standard for that particular year for each EGU category (Table 1). Table 1. National CO₂ Performance Rates

Pounds of CO₂ per Megawatt-hour

 

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

Interim (Average of 2022-2030)

Final (2030)

Fossil steam units

1,741

1,681

1,592

1,546

1,500

1,453

1,404

1,355

1,304

1,534

1,305

NGCC units

898

877

855

836

817

798

789

779

770

832

771

Source: Prepared by CRS; annual rates from EPA, CO2 Emission Performance Rate and Goal Computation Technical Support Document for CPP Final Rule (August 2015).

Note: To generate the final rates, EPA used the 2030 rates and rounded up to the next integer.

Emission Rate and Mass-Based Target Creation

To generate state-specific emission rate targets, EPA applied the annual performance rates to each state's baseline (2012) fossil fuel generation mix (steam generation vs. NGCC generation).

For example, in 2012, Arizona's electricity generation mix included 49% steam generation, and 51% NGCC generation. To calculate Arizona's 2030 emission rate target, EPA multiplied the percentage of each generation type by the corresponding 2030 national CO₂ emission performance rate (Table 1):

(49% * 1,305 lbs. CO₂/MWh) + (51% * 771 lbs. CO₂/MWh) = 1,031 lbs. CO₂/MWh

The state-specific emission rate targets are listed in Table A-1.

EPA used the state-specific emission rate targets to calculate mass-based targets for each state. This conversion process is more complicated. First, EPA multiplied a state's emission rate target (lbs. CO₂/MWh) for a particular year (e.g., 2022) by the state's 2012 CO₂ generation baseline (MWh). This yields an initial mass-based value for that year (lbs. CO₂). Second, EPA determined the amount of renewable energy generation (pursuant to building block 3) that would not be needed to achieve the emission rate targets. This "excess" renewable energy generation is available because EPA chose the least stringent of the three regional CO₂ performance rates as the national CO2 performance rate. EPA calculated the CO₂ emissions associated with this "excess" generation and allocated the CO₂ emissions to all of the states based on their 2012 generation, increasing their annual mass-based targets. As a result, some of the states' 2030 mass-based targets are higher than their 2012 emission baselines.

Table A-2 lists the state-specific, mass-based targets from EPA's final rule. The table compares the 2030 targets with the 2012 baselines as calculated for the final rule and provides a percentage change between the two values. 2012 Baseline

After EPA's proposed rule in June 2014, multiple states and stakeholders raised a variety of concerns with EPA's use of 2012 as the baseline year to calculate the emission rate targets. In both its proposed and final rules, EPA uses 2012 as the baseline year in its emission rate and mass-based target calculations. However, EPA made several state-specific adjustments in the final rule to address some of the concerns. Perhaps the most substantial adjustments are in states that generate a significant percentage of electricity from hydropower. According to EPA, 2012 was an "outlier" year for snowpack, resulting in relatively high use of hydropower and a corresponding decrease in fossil fuel generation in particular states.¹⁷21 As Table A-1 indicates, this adjustment seemed to have a considerable impact in states that use a high percentage of hydropower: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Maine. In addition, EPA made other state-specific adjustments for EGUs that came online during 2012.

Renewable Energy Treatment

Renewable energy played a significant role in the proposed rule, and its role appears to be even greater in the final rule. Although an in-depth analysis of renewable energy in the final rule is beyond the scope of this report, a comparison of estimated results from the Regulatory Impact Analyses (RIA) accompanying the proposed and final rules indicates a substantial increase in EPA's analysis of renewable energy's contribution to the nation's electricity portfolio by 2030. For example, in the proposed rule RIA, non-hydro renewable energy generation was projected to increase by 2% in 2030, compared to a business-as-usual scenario.¹⁸22 In the final rule RIA, non-hydro renewable energy generation was projected to increase by 9% in 2030 (under a rate-based scenario), compared to a business-as-usual scenario.¹⁹

23 EPA explained that this difference resulted from both its revised methodology in the final rule and updated economic data for renewable energy, which included substantially lower cost estimates for project installation.²⁴

In addition, renewable energy is included in a new voluntary program that EPA developed for the final rule. This program would provide incentives to states to develop renewable energy projects in 2020 and 2021 (discussed below).

Energy Efficiency Treatment

As mentioned above, EPA's final rule does not include demand-side energy efficiency (EE) improvements in its emission rate methodology. In EPA's proposed rule, EE improvements were addressed in building block 4. The impacts of building block 4 on emission rate targets varied by state.²⁰25 In general, the effects appeared more pronounced in states that generate a large percentage of their electricity from sources that were not already included in the proposed rule emission rate equation—primarily hydroelectric power and, to some extent, nuclear power.

In its final rule, EPA explained its reasoning for removing EE from the building blocks:

[Clean Air Act] section 111 has allowed regulated entities to produce as much of a particular good as they desire provided that they do so through an appropriately clean (or low-emitting) process. While building blocks 1, 2, and 3 fall squarely within this paradigm, the proposed building block 4 does not.²¹26

Building block 4 is outside our paradigm for section 111 as it targets consumer-oriented behavior and demand for the good, which would reduce the amount of electricity to be produced.²²

27

Although EPA removed EE from its emission rate calculations, states may choose to employ EE improvement activities as part of their plans to meet their targets. In particular, the final rule includes a new voluntary program that provides incentives for early investments (in 2020 and 2021) in EE programs in low-income communities (as discussed below).

Nuclear Power Treatment

EPA modified its treatment of nuclear power in the final rule. In its proposed rule, EPA factored "at risk" nuclear power (estimated at 5.8%)²³28 into the state emission rate methodology. As a result, states had an incentive to maintain the at-risk nuclear power generation or their emission rates would increase (all else being equal). The final rule does not include at-risk nuclear generation in its building block calculations. EPA stated:

It is inappropriate to base the BSER in part on the premise that the preservation of existing low- or zero-carbon generation, as opposed to the production of incremental, low- or zero-carbon generation, could reduce CO₂ emissions from current levels.²⁴

29

In addition, in its final rule, EPA decided not to include under-construction nuclear power capacity in the emission rate calculations. In its proposed rule, EPA identified five under-construction nuclear units at facilities in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Including the estimated generation from these anticipated units in the emission rate equation would have substantially lowered the emission rate targets of these three states. If the final rule had retained this feature, and these nuclear units did not complete construction and enter service, these three states would likely have more difficulty achieving their emission rate goals. EPA clarified that the final rule would allow the generation from under-construction units, new nuclear units, and capacity upgrades to help sources meet emission rate or mass-based targets.

Biomass Treatment²⁵

30

In its final rule, EPA would allow states to use "qualified biomass" as a means of meeting state-specific reduction requirements.²⁶31 This appears to be a narrower approach than was taken in the proposed rule. Also, EPA requires additional accounting and reporting requirements if a state decides to use qualified biomass. The agency gives some indication as to which biomass types may qualify:

The EPA generally acknowledges the CO₂ and climate policy benefits of waste-derived biogenic feedstocks and certain forest- and agriculture-derived industrial byproduct feedstocks.... Use of such waste derived and certain industrial byproduct biomass feedstocks would likely be approvable as qualified biomass in a state plan when proposed with measures that meet the biomass monitoring, reporting and verification requirements.²⁷

EPA's review of biomass power and its role in the CPP will continue, with the agency looking at efforts external but still relevant to the CPP and biomass. For example, in November 2014, EPA released a second draft of the technical report, Framework for Assessing Biogenic Carbon Dioxide for Stationary Sources. EPA expects another round of peer review for this report in 2015. In addition, EPA stated that it will "closely monitor overall bioenergy demand and associated landscape conditions for changes that might have negative impacts on public health or the environment."²⁸

Clean Energy Incentive Program²⁹

EPA's final CPP includes a Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP) "to reward early investments in renewable energy (RE) generation and demand-side energy efficiency (EE) measures … during 2020 and/or 2021."³⁰ The CEIP was not part of the proposed rule and is optional for states. States would need to include particular design elements in their final plans if they want to participate.

The CEIP sets up a system to award credits to EE projects in low-income communities and RE projects (only wind and solar) in participating states.³¹ The credits are in the form of emission rate credits (ERCs) or emission allowances, depending on whether a state uses an emission rate or mass-based target, respectively. The credits could be sold to or used by an affected emission source to comply with the state-specific requirements (e.g., emission rate or mass-based targets).

RE projects would receive one credit (either an allowance or ERC) from the state and one credit from EPA for every two megawatt-hours (MWh) of solar or wind generation. EE projects in low-income communities would receive double credits: For every two MWh of avoided electricity generation, EE projects will receive two credits from the state and two credits from EPA. EPA will match up to 300 million short tons in credits during the CEIP program life. The amount of EPA credits32 Clean Energy Incentive Program³³

EPA established the Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP) as a voluntary complement to the CPP. The CEIP is intended to promote early reductions of CO₂ emissions before the CPP is scheduled to take effect in 2022. EPA established the framework of the CEIP in its CPP final rule and published a proposed rule for the CEIP in the Federal Register on June 30, 2016.³⁴ The proposed rule seeks to provide additional detail, clarify certain elements that were previously outlined, and alter some of the program eligibility requirements.

The CEIP would award either emission rate credits or emission allowances for two categories of activities:

• 1. Energy efficiency and solar renewable energy projects in low-income communities, and
• 2. Renewable energy projects in participating states.

The CEIP credits take the form of emission rate credits or emission allowances, depending on whether a state chooses an emission rate or mass-based target. The credits/allowances could be sold to or used by an affected emission source to comply with the state-specific emission or emission rate reduction requirements. In a CO₂-constrained regime, these credits/allowances would have monetary value.³⁵

Renewable energy projects would receive one credit/allowance from the state and one credit from EPA for every two MWh of renewable energy generation in 2020 and 2021. Projects in low-income communities would receive double credits: For every two MWh of generation from solar power or avoided electricity generation through energy efficiency, these projects would receive two credits/allowances from the state and two from EPA.

The amount of EPA credits/allowances potentially available to each state participating in the CEIP depends on the relative amount of emission reduction each state is required to achieve compared to its 2012 baseline. Thus, states. States with greater reduction requirements would have access to a greater share of the EPA credits.

To generate the credits, states would effectively borrow from their mass-based or rate-based compliance targets for the interim 2022-2029 compliance period. EPA would provide its share of credits from a to-be-established reserve. In its proposed rule for the federal implementation plan (discussed above), EPA is asking for comments on the size of the credit reserve and other CEIP implementation details.³²

Electricity Reliability³³

TheEPA requires state plans to ensure that state-issued credits/allowances for the CEIP will maintain the stringency of the emission or emission rate targets. In contrast, states do not need to account for the matching credits/allowances provided by EPA. The proposed CEIP rule does not provide details as to the source of the EPA's matching pool. In its proposed rule, EPA sought comments from stakeholders on multiple CEIP issues. Electricity Reliability³⁶ EPA's proposed CPP generated substantial interest in the potential effects of the rule on the reliability of the electric power supply. EPA asserts that it does not want compliance with the final rule to interfere with industry's ability to maintain the reliability of the nation's electricity supply. EPA's final rule would address electric system reliability in several ways.

In the final rule, we are requiring that each state demonstrate in its final state plan submittal that it has considered reliability issues in developing its plan. Second, we recognize that issues may arise during the implementation of the guidelines that may warrant adjustments to a state's plan in order to maintain electric system reliability. The final guidelines make clear that states have the ability to propose amendments to approved plans in the event that unanticipated and significant electric system reliability challenges arise and compel affected EGUs to generate at levels that conflict with their compliance obligations under those plans.³⁴

In the final rule, EPA includes several measures to "ensure that it does not interfere with the industry's ability to maintain reliability."³⁷ In particular, the final rule contains a provision for a reliability "safety valve" for individual power plants.³⁵38 EPA states that there may be a need for an EGU to continue to operate and release "excess emissions" if an emergency situation arises that could compromise electric system reliability. The reliability safety valve allows for a 90-day reprieve from carbon emissions limits. EPA statedstates that the safety valve could be triggered only in an emergency situation. For example, extreme weather events are "of short duration and would not require major—if any—adjustments to emission standards for affected EGUs or to state plans."³⁶

39

In addition, EPA, the Department of Energy, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have agreed to coordinate efforts while the state compliance plans are developed and implemented to ensure that the power sector can continue to maintain electric reliability. A formal memorandum expresses their joint understanding of how they will cooperate, monitor, implement, share information, and resolve difficulties that may be encountered.³⁷40

Appendix. Additional Information

Footnotes

Final rule, p. 64832; see also EPA, The Role of States: States Decide How to Achieve Their Goal, August 2015, http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cpp/fs-cpp-states-decide.pdf.

19. 25. 40.

1.	42 U.S.C. §7411(d).
2.	This is the date of the proposed rule for new sources. See EPA, "Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units," 79 Federal Register 1430, January 8, 2014. A "New Source Performance Standards" (NSPS) rule under Section 111(b) of the Clean Air Act is a prerequisite for the standards for existing sources under Section 111(d), which is the focus of this report. EPA also announced a final NSPS rule for this source category on August 3, 2015. See http://www2.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan/carbon-pollution-standards-new-modified-and-reconstructed-power-plants.
3.	EPA, "Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units," Final Rule, prepublication version (hereafter "Final rule"), August 3, 2015, p. 380. See also EPA, Regulatory Impact Analysis for the Clean Power Plan Final Rule, August 2015.
4.	EPA, Regulatory Impact Analysis for the Proposed Carbon Pollution Guidelines for Existing Power Plants and Emission Standards for Modified and Reconstructed Power Plants, June 2014.
5.	For more background on the statutory authority, history, and legal and administrative processes involving the proposed rulemaking, see CRS Report R43572, EPA's Proposed Greenhouse Gas Regulations for Existing Power Plants: Frequently Asked Questions, by [author name scrubbed] et al.
6.	EPA, "Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units," 79 Federal Register 34830, June 18, 2014.
7.	For more information, see CRS Legal Sidebar WSLG1359, EPA's Clean Power Plan: Likely Legal Challenges – Part 1, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed] and CRS Legal Sidebar WSLG1360, EPA's Clean Power Plan: Likely Legal Challenges – Part 2, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed].
8.	Final rule, p. 241 Table A-2. 2012 CO2 Emission Baselines and 2030 CO2 Emission Targets Short Tons—Alphabetical by State State 2012 CO2 Emission Baseline 2030 CO2 Emission Targets Percentage Change Alabama 75,571,781 56,880,474 -25% Alaska Not established Not established Not established Arizona 40,465,035 30,170,750 -25% Arkansas 43,416,217 30,322,632 -30% California 49,720,213 48,410,120 -3% Colorado 43,209,269 29,900,397 -31% Connecticut 6,659,803 6,941,523 4% Delaware 5,540,292 4,711,825 -15% Florida 124,432,195 105,094,704 -16% Georgia 62,843,049 46,346,846 -26% Hawaii Not established Not established Not established Idaho 1,438,919 1,492,856 4% Illinois 102,208,185 66,477,157 -35% Indiana 110,559,916 76,113,835 -31% Iowa 38,135,386 25,018,136 -34% Kansas 34,655,790 21,990,826 -37% Kentucky 92,775,829 63,126,121 -32% Louisiana 44,391,194 35,427,023 -20% Maine 2,072,157 2,073,942 0.1% Maryland 20,171,027 14,347,628 -29% Massachusetts 13,125,248 12,104,747 -8% Michigan 69,860,454 47,544,064 -32% Minnesota 34,668,506 22,678,368 -35% Mississippi 27,443,309 25,304,337 -8% Missouri 78,039,449 55,462,884 -29% Montana 19,147,321 11,303,107 -41% Nebraska 27,142,728 18,272,739 -33% Nevada 15,536,730 13,523,584 -13% New Hampshire 4,642,898 3,997,579 -14% New Jersey 19,269,698 16,599,745 -14% New Mexico 17,339,683 12,412,602 -28% New York 34,596,456 31,257,429 -10% North Carolina 67,277,341 51,266,234 -24% North Dakota 33,757,751 20,883,232 -38% Ohio 102,434,817 73,769,806 -28% Oklahoma 52,862,077 40,488,199 -23% Oregon 9,042,668 8,118,654 -10% Pennsylvania 119,989,743 89,822,308 -25% Rhode Island 3,735,786 3,522,225 -6% South Carolina 35,893,265 25,998,968 -28% South Dakota 5,121,124 3,539,481 -31% Tennessee 41,387,231 28,348,396 -32% Texas 251,848,335 189,588,842 -25% Utah 32,166,243 23,778,193 -26% Virginia 35,733,502 27,433,111 -23% Washington 15,237,542 10,739,172 -30% West Virginia 72,318,917 51,325,342 -29% Wisconsin 42,317,602 27,986,988 -34% Wyoming 50,218,073 31,634,412 -37% Source: Prepared by CRS using data from EPA, CO2 Emission Performance Rate and Goal Computation Technical Support Document for CPP Final Rule (August 2015). The interim and final targets are codified in 40 C.F.R. Part 60, Subpart UUUU, Table 3. Notes: EPA did not establish emission targets for Vermont and the District of Columbia because they do not currently have affected EGUs. Although Alaska and Hawaii had targets in the proposed rule, in its final rule, EPA stated that Alaska, Hawaii, and the two U.S. territories with affected EGUs (Guam and Puerto Rico) will not be required to submit state plans on the schedule required by the final rule, because EPA "does not possess all of the information or analytical tools needed to quantify" the best system of emission reduction for these areas. EPA stated it will "determine how to address the requirements of section 111(d) with respect to these jurisdictions at a later time" (EPA, "Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units," Final Rule, 80 Federal Register 64743, October 23, 2015). Author Contact Information [author name scrubbed], Specialist in Environmental Policy ([email address scrubbed], [phone number scrubbed]) [author name scrubbed], Specialist in Environmental Policy ([email address scrubbed], [phone number scrubbed]) Footnotes
1.	In general, an affected EGU is a fossil-fuel-fired unit (e.g., coal, oil, or natural gas) that was in operation or had commenced construction as of January 8, 2014; has a generating capacity above a certain threshold; and sells a certain amount of its electricity generation to the electric grid.
2.	EPA, "Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units," Final Rule, 80 Federal Register 64661 (hereinafter "Final rule"), October 23, 2015.
3.	42 U.S.C. §7411(d).
4.	Final rule, p. 64665. See also EPA, Regulatory Impact Analysis for the Clean Power Plan Final Rule, August 2015.
5.	EPA, "Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units," Proposed Rule, 79 Federal Register 34830, June 18, 2014.
6.	The Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 24 on November 17, 2015. The House passed the same resolution on December 1, 2015.
7.	Order in Pending Case, West Virginia v. EPA, No. 15A773 (S. Ct. Feb. 9, 2016), https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/020916zr1_8mj9.pdf.
8.	The deadlines discussed in this section do not currently have legal effect and because of the February 9, 2016, stay by the Supreme Court will likely be delayed if the rule is ultimately upheld.
9.
910.	Final rule, p. 85264827.
1011.	Nine states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions have established a program, which took effect in 2009, to control CO2 emissions from power plants. For more details, see CRS Report R41836, The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: Lessons Learned and Issues for Congress, by [author name scrubbed].
1112.	Available at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cpp/cpp-proposed-federal-plan.pdf.
12.	Final rule, p. 230.
13.	Ibid., p. 417.
14.	Ibid., p. 1007.
1513.	EPA, "Federal Plan Requirements for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Electric Utility Generating Units Constructed on or Before January 8, 2014; Model Trading Rules; Amendments to Framework Regulations," Proposed Rule, 80 Federal Register 64966, October 23, 2015.
14.	See the proposed FIP, p. 64970.
15.	Final rule, p. 64707.
16.	EPA's final rule does not specifically require percentage reductions. States would reduce their emissions or emission rates by a certain percentage (compared to their baselines) if they meet their compliance obligation. Hence, CRS uses the term "implies."
17.	Final rule, p. 64743.
18.	Final rule, p. 64709.
For a detailed analysis of the proposed rule's methodology, see CRS Report R43652, State CO2CO2 Emission Rate Goals in EPA's Proposed Rule for Existing Power Plants, by [author name scrubbed].
1620.	See EPA, Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures, Technical Support Document, August 2015, p. 4-11, http://epa.gov/airquality/cpphttps://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-11/documents/tsd-cpp-ghg-mitigation-measures.pdf.
1721.	Final rule, starting on p. 79364815.
1822.	EPA, Regulatory Impact Analysis for the Proposed Carbon Pollution Guidelines for Existing Power Plants and Emission Standards for Modified and Reconstructed Power Plants, June 2014, Table 3-11.
1923.	EPA, Regulatory Impact Analysis for the Clean Power Plan Final Rule, August 2015, Table 3-11.
2024.	EPA, Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Measures, August 2013.	See Table 7 in CRS Report R43652, State CO2CO2 Emission Rate Goals in EPA's Proposed Rule for Existing Power Plants, by [author name scrubbed].
2126.	Final rule, p. 39064673.
2227.	Ibid., p. 604Final rule p. 64778.
2328.	Using projections from Energy Information Administration, EPA determined that 5.8% of total U.S. nuclear power capacity was at risk of being retired in the near future. See EPA, GHG Abatement Measures, Technical Support Document, June 2014, http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-06/documents/20140602tsd-ghg-abatement-measures.pdf.
2429.	Final rule, p. 38864738.
2530.	For more information on biomass issues, see CRS Report R41440, Biopower: Background and Federal SupportCRS In Focus IF10280, The Clean Power Plan (CPP): The Treatment of Biomass, by [author name scrubbed].
2631.	EPA defines qualified biomass as a "feedstock that is demonstrated as a method to control increases of CO2 levels in the atmosphere." " (Final rule, p. 155264886).
2732.	Ibid., p. 1166Final rule, p. 64886.
2833.	Ibid., p. 1165.
29.	This section was written by [author name scrubbed], Specialist in Energy and Environmental Policy, [phone number scrubbed]. For more details, see CRS Report R44607, EPA's Clean Energy Incentive Program: Background and Legal Developments, by [author name scrubbed] and [author name scrubbed].
3034.	EPA, Fact Sheet: "Clean Energy Incentive Program, August 2015, http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cpp/fs-cpp-ceip.pdf Design Details," 81 Federal Register 42940, June 30, 2016.
3135.	Final rule, starting on p. 865.
32.	Available at http://www.epa.gov/airquality/cpp/cpp-proposed-federal-plan.pdf.
33.	This section was written by [author name scrubbed], Specialist in Energy Policy, [phone number scrubbed].
34.	Final rule, p. 49.
35.	Ibid., p. 1122.
36.	Ibid., p. 1123.
37For example, in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a CO2 cap-and-trade program involving nine northeastern states, emission allowances have sold at auction at prices between $2 per ton and $7.50 per ton. See auction results at http://rggi.org/market/co2_auctions/results and CRS Report R41836, The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: Lessons Learned and Issues for Congress, by [author name scrubbed].
36.	For more information, see CRS Report R44265, EPA's Clean Power Plan: Implications for the Electric Power Sector, by [author name scrubbed].
37.	Final rule, p. 64861.
38.	Final rule, p. 64671.
39.	Final rule, p. 64878.
EPA-DOE-FERC Coordination on Implementation of the Clean Power Plan, August 2015, http://www.ferc.gov/media/headlines/2015/CPP-EPA-DOE-FERC.pdf.