EPA: Wisconsin must cut carbon emissions 34 percent

MILWAUKEE (WITI/AP) — It is being called the most significant step the U.S. government has ever taken to battle global warming. The federal government is proposing that Wisconsin cut its carbon dioxide emissions by from power plants by one-third by the year 2030 -- but could the idea cost jobs?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced specific targets for all states Monday as part of the Obama administration's effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions -- the leading source of greenhouse gasses.

The goal is to limit air pollution from carbon dioxide -- a potent gas that traps heat in the atmosphere -- and causes global warming.

Wisconsin's 2012 carbon emission rate was more than 1,800 pounds per megawatt hour of energy produced.

The EPA is asking the state to develop a plan to lower its emission rate to about 1,200 pounds.

There's been opposition from some states that rely heavily on coal.

Wisconsin gets about 63 percent of its energy from coal, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Scott Manley with Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce says the proposed regulations could cost Wisconsin and the surrounding Midwestern states 31,000 manufacturing jobs a year.

"If the President thinks that it's the United States' job to lead on global warming, I think he should explain to middle class manufacturing workers in Wisconsin, for example, why their job has to be jeopardized," Manley said.

The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce issued the following statement in relation to this story:

The statement goes on to say:

Keith Reopelle is the Policy Director for "Clean Wisconsin" -- an environmental advocacy group.

"I think it's going to do the exact opposite thing. I think it's going to be a huge stimulus for the clean energy and renewable energy sectors. It is far less costly for us to reduce our carbon admissions in the near term than to pay for all of the impacts in the long term," Reopelle said.

Gov. Scott Walker says the move to "go green" raises a red flag.

"Wisconsin is so heavily dependent on manufacturing.  Obviously anything that would put a dent in the energy supply for our key industry of manufacturing would be of concern," Gov. Walker said.

We Energies is Wisconsin's largest utility.

A spokesperson says it's too soon to tell what impact the new regulations might have on consumers.

"What came out today still has a lot of moving parts, so there is still a comment period, and we have a long ways to go before the final details come out," We Energies spokesperson Cathy Schulze said.

Those who support the plan and oppose it say it is likely to face a battery of both legal and legislative challenges.

CLICK HERE to read through EPA laws and regulations.