Not Business as Usual: 200 Firms Back EPA Climate Regs

Dec 2, 2014 2:45 PM ET

Originally posted on USA Today

Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

More than 200 U.S. companies came together Tuesday to support a major reduction in carbon pollution from power plants proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

"As businesses concerned about the immediate and long-term implications of climate change, we strongly support the principles behind the draft carbon pollution standard for existing power plants," states a letter that was sent to the EPA, the Obama administration and congressional leaders.

Major brand names and Fortune 500 companies — including Kellogg's, Starbucks, Ikea, Levi Strauss and Nestlé — were among the 223 companies that signed the letter.

The proposed EPA rule aims to reduce carbon pollution from the nation's power plants by 30% from 2005 levels. It represents one of the most significant actions ever taken by the U.S. government to fight climate change. The public comment period for the plan ended Monday, and the EPA should announce a final rule next summer.

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