GHG Emissions Regulations for the Power Sector

In June, President Obama announced his Climate Action Plan aimed at reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.  The agenda’s centerpiece is using Section 111 of the Clean Air Act to reduce both new and existing power plant greenhouse gas emissions with a goal of implementing regulations before the end of his term in office. The legal issues inherent in undertaking this task are extremely complex with significant economic, environmental, and social implications. And the timetable laid out by the President is extremely ambitious.

This day-long conference brought together top experts in the field of energy and environmental law to discuss the legal hurdles and possibilities as well as the real-world ramifications of using Section 111 to address power plant greenhouse gas emissions. Discussion leaders focused on the legal uncertainties EPA and power producers will face as well as the day-to-day implications these regulations and the regulatory uncertainty will have for power producers, users, and state regulators as this new regulatory regime is constructed. In a wrap-up session, panelists discussed relevant legislative history and review likely legal arguments to be made in response to and in support of proposed GHG rules for the power sector.

Agenda