Environment America Backs Clean Power Plan at EPA Hearings

Environment America

Washington, DC – The Environmental Protection Agency will take input from hundreds of concerned citizens and business at four public hearings held this week in Pittsburgh, Denver, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.

Environment America Executive Director Margie Alt, along with leaders of Environment America state-based affiliate groups in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, will make statements supporting the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, and urge that EPA maximize the power of clean energy to strengthen the rule.

As summer wildfires — worsened by record-breaking heat and drought — rage in the Northwest, the EPA’s proposal represents the single largest step the U.S. has ever taken to tackle global warming.  

Environment America Global Warming Program Director Julian Boggs issued the following statement:

“We know Americans across the nation – from Washington State to Florida – are already feeling the effects of global warming. And scientists warn that things will only get much worse for future generations unless the largest source of this problem is tackled. That’s what the EPA’s Clean Power Plan does. Limiting global warming pollution from dirty power plants and transitioning to clean, renewable energy are exactly the actions we’ve been waiting for. Now, we’re focused on making sure the proposal is as strong as it can be and polluters don’t slow this critical step.

“As our state leaders in New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and Wisconsin will testify, we know that clean energy works to cut pollution. Wind power now generates enough energy to power 15 million homes, and a home or business goes solar every four minutes. In 2012 alone, clean energy policies saved as much carbon as taking 34 million cars off the road. By saving energy with better efficiency, harnessing the power of the wind and the sun, and limiting pollution from dirty power plants, we can prevent the worst consequences of global warming, and secure a safer future for our children.”