In the United States, there is a higher percentage of communities of color and low-income
\ncommunities living near power plants. In fact, there are many power plants that are located near
\nsmall rural communities with high percentages of low-income populations. In urban areas, nearby
\ncommunities tend to be both low-income and communities of color. The Environmental Protection
\nAgency\u2019s Clean Power Plan \u2013 released in August 2015 \u2013 requires states to reduce their emissions of
\ncarbon dioxide (CO ) from fossil- fueled fired power plants. For the first time,the EPA is requiring
\nstate regulators to not only meet the new CO emissions levels, but to also (1) demonstrate how they
\nare meaningfully engaging all stakeholders – workers and low-income communities, communities of
\ncolor, and indigenous populations, people living near power plants and otherwise potentially affected
\nby the state\u2019s plan, (2) describe their engagement with their stakeholders, including their most
\nvulnerable communities, and (3) evaluate the effects of their plans on vulnerable communities and
\ntake the steps necessary to ensure that all communities benefit\u00a0from the implementation of this rule.
\nThe purpose of this \u201cGuidance\u201dis to be a resource for state agencies and other stakeholders as they
\nwork to meaningfully engage with communities in the planning and implementation of this rule.<\/p>\n