In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new proposal to limit carbon emissions from existing power plants. Next week, on July 29 & 30 from 9:00am to 8:00pm, the EPA will hold hearings on the proposed Clean Power Plan in Atlanta at the

Omni Hotel at CNN Center. Both days, the hearings are open to the public.

This proposed carbon pollution standard is very significant to Georgia, home to some of the highest carbon-emitting coal plants in the country, which contribute to poor air quality and costly health impacts. Georgia Power has already begun closing some of its oldest, least efficient coal plants and converted others to natural gas facilities. They've also increased the amount of energy they get from renewable sources, like solar and wind. The good news is that right here in Georgia, we can do even more to reduce harmful emissions while driving energy innovation, promoting clean energy job growth, and helping consumers save money on their power bills through energy efficiency.

Please join Georgia Watch in supporting these new standards. You can submit written comments on the plan to the EPA through October 16 here. Or stop by Woodruff Park at noon on July 29 to show your support.

Earlier this month, we were honored to receive a grant of $75,000 from the Buckner v. Resource Remainder Fund from unclaimed proceeds of a class action filed against Resource Life Insurance Company for failing to pay unearned premium refunds due its insured parties under their contracts.

The Remainder Fund Committee, comprised of Jim Butler and Joel Wooten of Butler Wooten Cheeley & Peak LLP and Sam Oates of Oates & Courville recommended Georgia Watch to receive this award to support our work to advance consumer awareness and consumer rights. We are grateful for this support for our efforts to protect consumers.