Statement of Environmental Defense Action Fund on Resolution to Block Proposal to Limit Carbon Pollution from New Power Plants

“Climate change is a threat to the health and safety of all Americans. It’s linked to everything from more asthma attacks to more weather disasters to higher food prices. We should all be working together to find solutions to this looming problem.

“Instead, Sen. McConnell and 39 of his colleagues are trying to obstruct one of the most effective steps we can take. They have introduced a resolution to block EPA’s proposal to limit carbon pollution from new power plants. Power plants are the single largest source of carbon pollution in the United States. This action comes just as the transparent public comment period opens on EPA’s proposed rule. The action by Senator McConnell and his colleagues would silence that American conversation.

“Carbon pollution is the main cause of climate change and right now there are no national limits at all on the amount of pollution that power plants can emit. After years of Congressional failure to act on climate change, Sen. McConnell’s action isn’t aimed at fixing a problem with a better solution – but further preventing America from addressing the problem of climate change at all. Unlimited carbon pollution from power plants is untenable for our future, and we need leaders who recognize that.”

—Elizabeth Thompson, President, EDAF