The Carbon Rule: A Critical Component in the Fight Against Climate Change for Georgia

By Felicia Wang, July 14, 2023

Georgia finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with health issues and agricultural challenges driven by power plant emissions, but the EPA's Carbon Rule emerges as a promising way forward for the state.

Image credit: Curbed Atlanta

In Georgia, greenhouse gas emissions from power plants have been linked to increased levels of asthma, heart disease, and premature death. As a top producer of poultry, eggs, tobacco, and peaches, Georgia’s agricultural industry relies on a stable climate to maintain yields, which could be lost to greenhouse-gas driven climate change.

The Carbon Rule, proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2014, has reduced power plant emissions by 25% since implementation. In fact, electricity generation was the second largest source of carbon pollution (35.6%) in Georgia in 2019. On May 23, 2023, the EPA proposed more ambitious GHG emissions rules that establish stricter carbon emission standards for power plants while incentivizing renewable energy usage and greater energy efficiency.

Climate-driven extreme weather events faced by Georgians have become more frequent and severe. Furthermore, low-income and communities of color are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. They often live near power plants and face higher rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Rural communities dependent on the agricultural industry are also at risk due to changing climate patterns. The Carbon Rule can help to address these issues by reducing emissions and improving air quality, but it must be coupled with efforts to prioritize and invest in these vulnerable communities. The transition to a low-carbon economy can create new jobs, stimulate innovation, and reduce fossil fuel dependence.

Take action now by submitting a public comment in favor of the proposed carbon rule to the EPA by August 8th.

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