On February 9, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order staying the Clean Power Plan while litigation proceeds on the legal merits of the rule. No deadlines or other compliance obligations may be enforced while the stay is in effect.

The Clean Power Plan provides guidelines for the development, submittal, and implementation of state plans. States can submit their plans or request a two-year extension by September 6, 2016. States must submit complete plans by September 6, 2018.

While the compliance period for the rule starts in 2022, states can opt to participate in the Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP). CEIP seeks to reward early investments in renewable energy and energy efciency measures that generate carbon-free electricity or reduce end-use energy demand during 2020 and/or 2021.

The performance rates are phased in over the 2022–2029 interim period, which leads to a “step down” reduction path. States may elect to set their own goals for the three interim periods as long as they meet their interim and nal goals. States must also demonstrate they have met their interim goal, on average, over the eight-year interim period.

Starting in July 2032 and every two years afterwards, states are required to demonstrate how they met the new goal.