"In the State of the Union, Obama Pledges Strong Action on Climate"

"During President Obama’s speech tonight, he announced many different ways he would use the executive branch to pursue strong action on climate change. For longtime readers, this is old hat by now; I’ve been over how the EPA can use its pollution authority to cut back on carbon emissions several times. The policy framework hasn’t changed."



"Instead, this is a good signal that President Obama intends to finish what he has started. To a first approximation, climate change is about coal. The oldest and filthiest coal-fired power plants are already being retired, squeezed by cheap natural gas and ever-cheaper renewables on one side, and the EPA on the other. With a bit of luck, and if the president keeps up the pressure, by the time he hands off to his successor coal will be on a permanently downward trajectory."

Ryan Cooper  reports for the Washington Post's Plum Line blog January 28, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"Obama Just Doubled Down on His Climate Plan—Here's What Else He Could Do" (Mother Jones/Climate Desk)

"Enviros Criticize Obama’s State of the Union Address" (ENS)

"Addressing Climate Change, Obama Pledges Commitment To Clean Energy" (PBS NewsHour)

"Obama: Climate Change Is a Fact" (Bloomberg TV)

"Obama Touts 'Responsible' Energy Development Measures, Climate Goals" (Reuters)

"'Climate Change Is a Fact,' Obama Declares" (E2 Wire/the Hill)

"Obama Praises 'All-Of-The-Above' Energy Strategy In 2014 State Of The Union " (Huffington Post)

Source: Wash Post, 01/29/2014