BBC Learning English

Words in the News

Obama to announce new pollution
targets for power stations
2 June 2014
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Words in the News British Broadcasting Corporation 2014
Page 1 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com



The US government is due to give details about its plan to cut carbon emissions from
fossil fuel power stations. This will be one of the most significant actions to try to reduce
global warming in US history. Beth McLeod reports:


The United States produces more greenhouse gases than any country in the world, apart
from China. The plan to curb emissions from fossil-fuelled power plants is the most
ambitious measure proposed by President Obama in his efforts to tackle climate
change.

The details of the plan will be laid out by the Environmental Protection Agency. It will
give broad flexibility to states to decide how to meet carbon reduction targets, whether
by closing coal-fired power stations and switching to cleaner sources of energy, or by
creating cap-and-trade schemes.

Some US media are reporting that by 2030 the government wants a 30% reduction in
carbon dioxide emissions. Business groups and Republicans fiercely oppose the new
regulations, and say they're likely to drive up electricity prices. But for the president the
measure is important for his environmental legacy and in order to show global
leadership on climate change.


Words in the News British Broadcasting Corporation 2014
Page 2 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com


Vocabulary and definitions

curb control, cut or limit (something harmful)
fossil-fuelled using coal or oil
power plants power stations; places where electricity is made
ambitious challenging, difficult and needing a lot of effort
tackle deal with
targets (here) levels or aims
fiercely oppose strongly disagree with
drive up cause an increase
legacy achievement that will be remembered in the future



Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2014/06/140602_witn_obama_emissions.shtml
Related story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-27659478