Gov. McAuliffe Uses Executive Power to Address Carbon Emissions

Terry McAuliffe (Credit: AP/Elise Amendola) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

RICHMOND (WSLS 10) - While federal judges consider challenges to the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, Governor Terry McAuliffe says he is still actively pursuing ways to cut carbon emissions in the Commonwealth.

The governor signed an executive order that convenes a panel to come up with policy recommendations.

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The group will be tasked with finding ways that the governor can take concrete steps, within his authority, to address carbon pollution, saying, "cheap, reliable and environmentally friendly electricity can and will be the lifeblood of our new Virginia economy."

Republican leaders released a statement accusing the governor of trying to circumvent the legislature.

McAuliffe's work group is on track to send proposals to the governor by next May.

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay on the federal program that would require states to slash carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2030.