The Natural Resources Defense Council today unveiled a climate change plan that it says will cut U.S. carbon emissions from power plants by a quarter within the next 10 years.

As the world focuses on climate negotiations in Doha, Qatar, this week, NRDC's multipronged proposal calls on U.S. EPA to more aggressively target power plant carbon emissions.

"The President put climate change on the national agenda, and NRDC's plan shows how the United States can make big reductions in carbon pollution that drive climate change, with a flexible approach that promotes clean energy investments and delivers big benefits for Americans' health," NRDC Executive Director Peter Lehner said in a statement.

The plan calls for EPA to use its Clean Air Act authority to set carbon emissions standards for existing power plants, which emit 40 percent of the country's carbon dioxide. Such a standard is strongly opposed by industry and Republicans on Capitol Hill. The agency has, however, issued such a standard for new power plants.

The plan also urges EPA to set state-specific carbon emission rates, and the group emphasized that there would be "broad flexibility" so states could cut emissions in the most cost-effective way possible.

For example, it would encourage states to switch from dirty fuel sources like coal to more clean-burning fuels like gas, or shift to wind and solar to earn credits in new programs.

NRDC's plan would cost $4 billion but save the country between $25 billion and $60 billion in saved lives, avoided illnesses and other health benefits, the group said.

It would cut carbon emissions from existing power plants by more than a quarter by 2010 and a third by 2025, NRDC said. It would also slash emissions of other pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Lehner said recent weather has shown that a comprehensive plan to address climate change is urgently needed.

"This year's ravaging heat waves, drought, wildfires and Superstorm Sandy underscore why the nation must tackle head-on the biggest source of dangerous carbon pollution now," he said.

Click here to read the proposal.