AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine is already a leader in working to reduce carbon emissions through a regional partnership, but new federal regulations will bring relief to its residents by improving air quality and reducing the impacts of global warming, lawmakers and environmental groups said Monday.

Under the sweeping new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plan announced Monday and expected to be finalized next year, carbon dioxide emitted by the nation’s power plans must be reduced 30 percent by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. Emission reduction goals vary by state and state officials are being given flexibility in crafting their plans for how to reach them.