Statement of EDF President Fred Krupp on Today’s White House Budget Proposal

“President Obama’s budget proposal includes much-needed funding to help protect Americans from the dangers posed by climate change, and to move our country toward a clean energy future.

“We are especially pleased to see an increase in funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a new $4 billion proposal for that agency to create a Clean Power State Incentive Fund.

“The Clean Power Plan, which will be finalized this summer, will assign goals for individual states to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. But EPA’s Clean Power State Incentive Fund would help those states that want to go beyond the targets and timelines set by the Clean Power Plan. It would provide grants to help states achieve their most ambitious plans to accelerate the deployment of clean energy and smarter, more efficient energy systems.

“The President’s proposed budget also includes $7.4 billion to fund clean energy technologies, and it includes a permanent extension of key tax credits for wind and solar power. These investments for clean energy technologies, grid modernization and energy efficiency represent an enormous opportunity. Investments in a resilient grid that uses the growing power of new information and communication technologies, for example, will give the American people control over their energy costs while also slashing harmful pollution and growing our economy.

“We know that this kind of investment pays great dividends. States like California are already showing how strong policy and strategic investments can create healthier communities and cleaner air while cutting energy use and stimulating the economy. And for decades, EDF and others have worked with businesses to help them reduce emissions for their operations and supply chains. We’re pleased to see that the President’s budget includes a challenge to federal agencies to take similar actions.”

“If we hope to avoid the worst damages of climate change, and to win the international race toward clean energy, we need to put our money where our mouth is. The President’s budget shows that he is serious about investing in a cleaner, safer, healthier future for all Americans. We support that idea wholeheartedly.”

                    - Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund