EPA proposes first-ever limits on carbon pollution from power plants

Media Contacts

Environment Oregon

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first-ever, federal limits on carbon pollution from power plants, the largest single source of global warming pollution in America.

Environment Oregon enthusiastically applauded the proposed limits, which once finalized will be the largest step the U.S. has taken to combat global warming.
 
“This announcement is exactly what we’ve been waiting for,” said Charlie Fisher, field organizer with Environment Oregon. “This is America’s chance to lead and our best chance to give our children a legacy we can be proud of.”

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recently underscored the critical need for bold and swift climate action on the Showtime Series Years of Living Dangerously: “We’re the first generation to feel the sting of climate change, and we are the last generation that can do something about it.”

“Today President Obama is doing something about it,” said Fisher.

Across the country Americans have felt the consequences of global warming. In 2011 and 2012, the number of heat waves was nearly triple the long-term average And, here in Oregon, sea levels are already rising, making storm surges more damaging.

The National Climate Assessment, released in May, recognized today’s impacts with the statement, “Climate change, once considered an issue for a distant future, has moved firmly into the present.”

Until now, there have been no federal limits on the amount of carbon pollution power plants are permitted to spew into the atmosphere.

“This announcement is a huge win for the health of our families and our environment,” said Fisher. “It is in large part a testament to the millions of Americans, more than 600 local elected officials, and hundreds of small businesses who have already demanded the cutting of carbon pollution.

“But we won’t stop here. Environment Oregon is taking the message about extreme weather and other climate impacts to more than 120,000 Oregon households.”

“The dirty energy companies that oppose this move may question the science and predict economic apocalypse if we act. They can make up whatever claims they want. But a cleaner, more energy-efficient economy and environment is not going to undermine our prosperity. In fact, our kids’ future depends on it. ”