Federal EPA administrator Gina McCarthy said Monday the four public hearings scheduled this week on the proposed Clean Power Plan are an important part of the process. McCarthy spoke with reporters ahead of the hearings.

“I feel like we have received tremendous opportunity for comment and tremendous comments into the process already. We are excited to have these public hearings,” McCarthy said.

The hearings will be two days each; Tuesday and Wednesday in Atlanta, Denver and Washington, D.C. The fourth hearing is scheduled for Thursday and Friday at the William S. Moorhead Federal Building in Pittsburgh.

McCarthy announced the Clean Power Plant earlier this year. It takes aim at carbon emissions from existing power plants like those in West Virginia. It’s predicted by 2030 the emissions will be 30 percent below 2005 levels. Supporters of coal in West Virginia have said the plan could be the knockout blow for their industry.

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