Obama's emission policy to have ripple effect on India: Godrej

US Environmental Protection Agency on Monday announced to cut carbon emission from existing power plants by 2030

The Obama administration's new ambitious carbon emission standard shows that the US is serious about climate change and it should have "ripple effects" in India and across the globe, a top Indian industrialist has said.

"The announcement by the Obama administration that the US will cut carbon emissions from its power sector affirms that the US is serious about climate action, which should have ripple effects in India and around the globe," Jamshyd Godrej, chairman and managing director of Godrej & Boyce said in a statement issued by World Resources Institute yesterday.

He is also a chairman of the Board of World Resources Institute.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday announced to cut carbon emission from existing power plants by 2030, which is the single largest source of carbon pollution in the US, by 30%.

It also announced to cut by 2030 particle pollution, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide by more than 25% as a co-benefit.

"The new rules demonstrate that the US understands the global threat of climate change, along with the multiple opportunities of renewable energy and energy efficiency to build a strong economy for the 21st century," the statement said.

"These standards will reduce harmful carbon pollution as they bring additional health benefits to people," it said.

"Hopefully these actions will bring ongoing constructive engagement on international climate action by the United States and can usher in greater cooperation between the US and India on low-carbon growth strategies," Godrej said.

"To build a safe, strong, and equitable future, we should embrace the opportunities of low-carbon development. The announcement represents another important step toward that goal," he said.

Meanwhile, Felipe Calderon, former President of Mexico, and Chair of the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate and Board Member WRI also congratulated Obama on this bold move to reduce carbon emissions in the United States.

"These measures will be good for the health and security of all Americans. This is a flexible climate-resilient and business-friendly proposal that will benefit not just the United States and should inspire more action around the world," he said.

"As the world's largest economy, the example of the United States will have powerful effects globally. I hope the United States can lead in creating innovation that can change billions of people's lives for the better by increasing the use of more efficient and less damaging energy sources," Calderon said.