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Obama to unveil ‘biggest step ever’ in climate fight

– Politically sensitive –

The new plan sets a goal of cutting carbon pollution from power plants by 32  percent by 2030, compared with 2005 levels, The Washington Post said. Previously the target had been 30 percent.

But the move is likely to face fierce opposition from numerous sides, including political rivals and industry groups, as well as possible legal challenges.

Power plants account for some 40 percent of US emissions of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Cuts are politically sensitive as coal, among the dirtiest energy sources, remains a major US industry.

The Washington Post quoted an unnamed White House official as saying: “This is the most significant action any US president has taken to curb greenhouse gases.

“It will form the foundation of the country’s efforts to take on climate change for decades to come.”

But even as natural gas gains in popularity, coal remains a key component in the American energy landscape.

Hundreds of coal-fired power plants dotted across the country provide about 37 percent of the US electricity supply, ahead of natural gas and nuclear reactors.

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