NextEra Energy CEO praises Mich. governor for Clean Power Plan stance

Armando Pimentel, president and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources, praised Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday for saying the state will implement the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Power Plan despite pressure from other Republican governors to reject it.

Backed by the Obama administration, the Clean Power Plan consists of regulations that aim to reduce carbon emissions from power plants 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.

“As the nation’s leading renewable energy developer, owner and operator, with a significant presence in Michigan, we take great pride in developing and operating projects that are environmentally responsible and economically viable," Pimentel said. "We applaud Governor Snyder’s efforts and are in complete support of Michigan submitting a state implementation plan as part of EPA’s Clean Power Plan. We look forward to working with the State of Michigan and doing what we can to help the state cost-effectively meet the goals set out in the Clean Power Plan.”

Snyder's apparent acceptance of the plan is in opposition to Michigan Attorney General, Bill Schuette, according to The Hill website. Schuette is among a group of  state attorney generals suing to block the plan from being implemented.