O’Malley applauds US plan to curb CO2 emissions

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley says an Obama administration plan for reducing pollutants blamed for global warming is in line with steps Maryland has already taken.

In a statement, the Democratic governor applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal Monday for cutting power plant carbon dioxide emissions by nearly a third over the next 15 years.

Carbon emissions nationally would be reduced 30 percent by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. A regional approach taken by Maryland and eight Northeastern states has already reduced their total carbon emissions by 40 percent since 2005. The EPA rule would give those states credit for taking early action.

The Maryland Coal Association says the federal government wants to eliminate coal as an energy source. Coal-burning power plants produce higher carbon dioxide emissions than natural-gas-fired plants.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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