Statement of EDF on Sen. Murkowski's Resolution of Disapproval

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sharyn Stein
202-572-3396
sstein@edf.org 

WASHINGTON (January 22, 2010) “We are deeply disappointed that Senator Murkowski has introduced a resolution to block the EPA’s -finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and safety. This approach would permanently stop the existing Clean Air Act from holding greenhouse gas polluters accountable for their actions, and replace it with nothing.

When Senator Murkowski introduced her resolution, she said that the Clean Air Act was written by Congress to regulate some pollutants, not greenhouse gases. Unfortunately that statement simply ignores the Supreme Court’s recent decision that it is “unambiguous” that greenhouse gases are pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

Senator Murkowski has said that she wants to see Congress adopt legislation dealing specifically with climate change. We completely agree that Congressional action is the best way to address the climate change crisis, and we will work with Senator Murkowski to pass strong climate and clean energy legislation. We also urge her to devote her energies to that end, rather than diverting time and attention to a measure that President Obama would surely veto if it ever reached his desk.”

— Steve Cochran, Director of Environmental Defense Fund’s National Climate Campaign

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