Michigan officials at complying with Obama climate plan regulations on power plants

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By: Jeff Karoub/Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Michigan officials say they will comply with the Obama administration’s plan for cutting planet-warming gases from power plants despite challenges in meeting the deadline and misgivings with some requirements.

Leaders said Tuesday Michigan will submit a plan by the September 2016 deadline and draft administrative rules for enforcement by 2018.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency seeks a 32 percent carbon dioxide reduction from plants by 2030. In Michigan, that would mean cutting from the nearly 70 million tons it generated in 2012 to 47.5 million tons during the next 15 years.

Michigan Agency for Energy Director Valerie Brader says officials will “need every second” but “we believe we can do it.”

Attorney General Bill Schuette has joined a lawsuit trying to block the federal plan. Brader says he’s acting independently.