As state officials begin to determine how their states will comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan (CPP), they should recognize that the new requirements represent an opportunity for innovative thinking.In a presentation at the National Summit on Smart Grid and Climate Change, David Littell emphasized that the CPP is not a traditional state implementation plan under the Section 110 of the Clean Air Act. He challenged regulators to think beyond the three “building blocks” outlined in the CPP. Best practices include integrated approaches that are low cost and low risk, while offering co-benefits to reduce water requirements and emissions of ozone and particulates. States should think regionally and consider taking advantage of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies’ Menu of Options in order to craft an approvable compliance plan.