Newsroom

You are here: EPA Home
All News Releases By Date
Stakeholder Statements - Clean Power Plan, Part ....

All News Releases By Date

Stakeholder Statements - Clean Power Plan, Part One

Release Date: 06/03/2014
Contact Information: EPA Press Office, [email protected]

Business/Industry

American Sustainable Business Council | David Levine, CEO & Co-Founder
“Business leaders recognize and applaud the President and the Environmental Protection Agency for the leadership demonstrated on issuing these rules to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. The business community is as much at risk from this as anyone, from severe weather events causing supply chain disruptions, to persistent droughts and rising stress on the energy grid. It’s time to take action to limit the worst effects of climate change, and these standards will go a long way toward helping us do that.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Small Business Majority | John Arensmeyer, CEO
“Rules proposed today by the Environmental Protection Agency that would limit carbon emissions from power plants will help curb climate change and reduce the extreme weather events it causes, which hurt our economy and wreak havoc on small businesses’ bottom lines. What’s more, rules such as these are supported by small businesses—our primary job creators.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Seventh Generation I John Replogle, CEO
"The effects of climate change are threatening economic prosperity, human health, and families. The risk and harm to the economy overall from severe weather events' impact on supply chains will affect all businesses and the communities they serve. By limiting emissions from power plants, we’ll take a significant step in reducing our exposure to climate change.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Business Alliance for a Sustainable Economy Kansas City (BASE KC) I Pam Hausner, Founder
"BASE KC is excited to see the new proposed EPA regulations. The many different businesses in our organization have seen the effects of climate change first hand; including supply chain disruptions, physical damage from extreme weather, and soaring energy costs. We applaud these new rules and look forward to seeing the benefits." [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce I Frank Knapp, Jr., President & CEO
“The work we have been doing with small business owners along the South Carolina coast has made it very clear that they are concerned about the consequences of climate change. The scientific data showing projected future sea level rise of only 2-3 feet is enough to inundate many business and residential areas. Small business owners know that reducing carbon pollution is critical to avoid even higher sea level rise that will utterly destroy our coastal tourism economy.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) I Malcolm Woolf, Senior Vice President for Policy
“Today’s proposal from EPA represents an opportunity to modernize the electric power system, making it higher performing and more consumer-focused while reducing emissions. By allowing a range of ‘outside the fence line’ options for compliance, EPA is giving states leeway to make full use of the dozens of advanced energy technologies that make it possible to cut emissions while improving reliability, reducing costs, increasing competition, and creating new services for consumers. While we are still reviewing EPA’s detailed proposal, AEE and its member companies stand ready to help states find the best approach for their specific resources and circumstances.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

America’s Natural Gas Alliance I Marty Durbin, President & CEO
“Natural gas is already providing significant economic and environmental benefits, and the President has repeatedly recognized the role natural gas will continue to play in growing our economy, strengthening our energy security and reducing emissions. As we consider EPA’s proposal with our members and with our power generation customers, we agree the rules should be flexible and fair and we believe they should recognize the ability of natural gas to play an increasing role in the delivery of reliable, safe and clean power. We look forward to working with the administration as this process moves forward.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

American Wind Energy Association I Tom Kiernan, CEO
“The wind energy industry strongly supports moving forward with the process to develop the first ever rule from the EPA to limit carbon pollution from existing power plants. We will review the specifics of the proposed rule and comment on it at the appropriate time. For now, we are pleased it has been issued and that EPA has undertaken such a thorough outreach process in developing it. We look forward to continuing to work with states, utilities and other stakeholders as the EPA rulemaking process moves forward and the drafting of state plans commence.”

Solar Energy Industries Association I Rhone Resch, President & CEO
“At their very heart, the proposed new EPA regulations provide a common sense and flexible approach to reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions across the United States. They also can serve as a roadmap for future renewable energy policy in America. [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Energy Recovery Council I Ted Michaels, President
“The Energy Recovery Council applauds the Obama Administration on today’s announcement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants. ERC believes that renewable technologies, such as waste-to-energy, will help give states a variety options and strategies to meet its objectives. Waste-to-energy is a critical greenhouse gas mitigation tool relied on by the European Union to achieve GHG reductions, and with significant potential for further deployment in the U.S. According to the U.S. EPA, every ton of municipal solid waste processed at a waste-to-energy facility reduces lifecycle GHG emissions by one ton of carbon dioxide equivalents.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Biomass Power Association I Bob Cleaves, President
“Biomass Power Association commends the Obama Administration for its strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions from existing power plants. This is an exciting time for renewable energy, especially the biomass industry. The National Climate Assessment released by the White House in May noted the potential for bioenergy to displace up to 30 percent of the nation’s current U.S. petroleum consumption, while improving forest health.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Third Sun Solar | Michelle Greenfield, CEO
“The EPA’s work regulating carbon emissions helps my small business, because it increases awareness of companies like mine that embrace alternative energy sources. Whenever we see our government embrace clean energy policies, there is a surge in consumer consciousness and support for businesses that adopt cleaner technologies. If policymakers want to do what’s best for small businesses, they will continue working to strengthen clean energy standards. Encouraging a clean and energy efficient business sector is essential if we want to build a sustainable and successful economy.”

Tech Networks of Boston I Susan Labandibar, President
"Each time an extreme weather event hits a community around the country, the economic impact can be devastating. From 2011-2013, damages from extreme weather events have exceeded $200 billion, disproportionately falling on the shoulders of small business. Setting limits on the carbon pollution causing climate change will promote innovation in clean energy technologies putting us on the road to providing livelihoods and addressing climate change.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Singlebrook Technology I Elisa Miller, CEO
"Singlebrook Technology is proud to support the proposed rules. Not only will they help combat climate change, but any incremental cost will most certainly be outweighed by the benefits every industry, including the tech industry, will see.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

National Black Farmers Association & Association of American Indian Farmers I John W. Boyd, Jr. (President, National Black Farmers Association) & Kara D. Boyd (Association of American Indian Farmers)
“The National Black Farmers Association and the Association of American Indian Farmers call for and support long-term energy reform and climate action in accordance with the Clean Air Act. We advocate for clean energy policies that reduce climate change. The Environmental Protection Agency's ruling to cut the emission of harmful pollution is a step in the right direction.”

Environmental Organizations

Earthjustice | Trip Van Noppen, President
“Today, EPA is proposing the most important anti-pollution and public health safeguard in a generation. We are confident that once finalized these new protections will help our nation meet the pollution reduction goals the President has set. We will do everything we can to promote the strongest public health protections possible. Climate change is happening here and now. We cannot wait to provide protection for our families and communities, especially low income communities that are hit hardest by climate disasters. [Press Release, 6/2/14]

League of Conservation Voters | Gene Karpinski, President
“This is the biggest step we've ever taken for the biggest challenge we've ever faced. It helps meet our moral obligation to future generations to act on climate change at a time when we’re seeing impacts on our health and our communities nationwide. This is a plan that can be shaped by the states, giving Governors the flexibility they need. The American people support these commonsense safeguards and are sick of the lie that pollution has to be the fuel of our economic engine. The desperate and dirty opponents of these safeguards are using a failed, outdated playbook to protect their profits.” [Press Release, 6/2/14]

American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
"By including energy efficiency in its proposal, the Environmental Protection Agency has created a path for states to lower consumer energy bills through modest investments. States that take advantage of this flexibility will benefit both the economy and the environment. The real story here is about economic opportunity. Based on our recent study, we project that if states choose the efficiency path in the proposal, they would create hundreds of thousands of jobs and lower energy bills across the country by tens of billions of dollars a year. “ [Press Release, 6/2/14]

The CLEO Institute | Caroline Lewis, Executive Director & Founder and Karina Castillo, Director of Programs
“We applaud the efforts of the Administration to limit the emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. We hope this gives momentum toward (a) a renewable energy economy and (b) more energy literate Americans. These regulations are essential to get everyone thinking about and/or reinvesting in renewable energy, with the potential to generate thousands of jobs. We look forward to following the development of these regulations and their implementation.” [Join Statement, 6/2/14]

Center for American Progress, Earthjustice, Environment America, Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club
“This bold step will help protect public health and our communities from the impacts of climate change and further spark clean energy innovation that will drive the next generation of economic growth. The carbon pollution standard is a deep breath of fresh air for the hundreds of millions of Americans living in polluted communities across the country.” [Joint Statement, 6/2/14]

Ceres I Mindy Lubber, President
"This powerful statement of support from more than 170 companies and investors is clear evidence that the EPA rule is both urgently needed and will help, not hinder, the U.S. economy. Data shows that the electric power industry is already on a path toward a low carbon future, and this standard will accelerate this shift at the pace required by science." [Press Release, 6/2/14]

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy I Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director
“We are strongly supportive of these ambitious yet attainable standards that will protect public health, address the carbon pollution that is fueling climate change and extreme weather, and move us along the path to positive toward cleaner, safer energy sources that will grow our economy and create jobs.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Voces Verdes I Adrianna Quintero, Director
“Many Latinos came to this country, whether generations ago or just recently, to build a better life. The EPA’s new standards for existing power plants will take dangerous carbon pollution out of the atmosphere and are critically needed to curb climate change. They will help preserve our ongoing dream of a better life for our families and in our communities.” [Press Release, 5/30/2014]

Green Latinos I Mark Magana, President
“Carbon pollution standards are critical for protecting the health and safety of millions of Latinos and other Americans who are breathing dirty air. 40 percent of Latinos live within 30 miles of a power plant and Latino children are 40 percent more likely to die from asthma than non-Latino white children so the time to act is now." [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Moms Clean Air Force I Dominique Browning, Co-Founder & Senior Director
“Moms Clean Air Force salutes the new carbon protections, now EPA’s most important work. They continue a great—and pragmatic—bipartisan tradition of using the Clean Air Act to safeguard our families from harmful pollutants.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Mothers Out Front I Kelsey Wirth, Founder & Co-Director
“Mothers Out Front celebrates the EPA's rules to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants as an important step toward protecting our children's future from climate change. We salute the EPA's leadership in addressing what we consider to be the gravest threat to our children's well-being.”

Michael Greenstone, 3M Professor of Environmental Economics, MIT
“When history is written, these rules are likely to be judged as the moment when the U.S. fully committed to confronting climate change – a threat that endangers the wellbeing of the 7 billion people who share this planet. Besides reducing our carbon emissions, they will have important global consequences. For example, they are a clear, and much needed, sign of the US' commitment to solving the climate problem, breathing new life into the upcoming United Nations climate negotiations. And by nationally "pricing" carbon emissions in the power sector, they will jump-start the innovation that is necessary to bring down the cost of low-carbon energy sources – this will make it easier for the rest of the world, especially lower-income countries, to agree to reduce their carbon emissions over time.”

Green Sports Alliance | Martin Tull, Executive Director
“The Green Sports Alliance applauds President Obama’s action to put the first ever federal limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants through the Clean Air Act. We appreciate his leadership on this critical issue. The health of the sports industry depends on a stable climate, and all the major sports leagues understand and recognize the risks that escalating climate change pose toward their future.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

iMatter/Kids vs. Global Warming | Victoria Loorz, Executive Director
“There is no more important work that the EPA can do than to set standards on carbon pollution to protect the atmosphere for our children's futures. The youngest generation knows that their futures are at stake and we are grateful that the United States is starting to take action to reduce emissions according to what is scientifically necessary, rather than what is politically possible.”

Climate Parents I Lisa Hoyos, Director
“Climate Parents applauds today's announcement by the EPA to take action to cut the carbon pollution that is harming the health and safety of our kids and communities. Power plant pollution is contributing to a spike in childhood asthma rates as well as fueling the climate change that is causing the droughts and extreme storms putting our communities in harm's way. Given that forty percent of our country's carbon pollution comes from power plants, it is clear that EPA action to reduce these emissions will improve the health and safety of American families. We need to power our communities with kid-safe, climate-safe energy, and the action that the EPA announced is creating the pathway for our nation to achieve this critical goal.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Green America I Larry Giammo, Executive Director
“Green America and our national Green Business Network have urged the EPA to take the strongest position possible to cap carbon pollution from new power plants as a key step toward reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are wreaking havoc with the environment and the economy. EPA regulation of existing power plants will promote innovation in clean energy technologies which in turn will strengthen our economy, create jobs, and benefit small businesses that are unable to mitigate the effects of global warming.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

National Wildlife Federation | Collin O’Mara, incoming president and CEO
“Today, the Environmental Protection Agency is taking the most significant step in our nation’s history to protect America’s communities and wildlife from the impacts of climate change. The science-based pollution limits are achievable and build upon the proven successes of numerous leading states. EPA has provided states with the flexibility necessary to achieve meaningful reductions in a way that unleashes American ingenuity to maximize benefits and strengthen the economy. This rule represents real progress, not only for America’s wildlife, fish and birds, but for the millions of sportsmen, wildlife watchers, and nature lovers who cherish America’s outdoor heritage.” [Press Release, 6/2/14]

Alliance to Save Energy | Rodney Sobin, Director of Research and Regulatory Affairs
`EPA’s much anticipated 111(d) proposal for existing power plant carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions standards is out. While we’ve only had a first look, we’re heartened that EPA and the Administration have heard us and a diverse set of voices in allowing states flexibility, including the flexibility to use energy efficiency—our cheapest, cleanest and most readily available energy resource—and the flexibility for states to work together to meet standards. [Press Release, 6/2/14]

Green Door Initiative (GDI) I Donele Wilkins, President
“I understand that EPA’s policy can achieve a reduction in carbon pollution without compromise in meeting the country’s energy needs. More importantly, it appears that if achieved communities like Detroit will have a less pollution burden that ultimately protects the health and well-being of its residents.” [Letter, 5/30/2014]

Green For All I Nikki Silvestri, Executive Director
By proposing limits on carbon pollution from America’s coal plants through President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the president and EPA Administrator McCarthy have shown that they are absolutely serious about tackling climate change. These safeguards would represent a huge victory in the fight against global warming. Carbon limits would also be welcome news for poor Americans and communities of color, who are disproportionately exposed to power plant pollution, and who are most vulnerable to the storms, disasters, and severe weather that climate change brings. We applaud the president and the EPA for acting boldly to protect America’s families and neighborhoods. [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

League of Conservation Voters | Jeff Gohringer, National Press Secretary
“Support for action on climate change is particularly high among younger voters. Nationwide bipartisan polling of voters under 35 has found that young Republicans and Democrats alike are concerned about climate change and support federal action to address it by a wide margin. They also describe climate change deniers as “ignorant” and “out-of-touch,” and reject the false choice between economic growth and action on climate change.” [Press Release, 5/30/14]

Deep South Center for Environmental Justice I Dr. Beverly Wright, Executive Director
“As the Director of the Dillard University Deep South Center for Environmental Justice in New Orleans, Louisiana, and on behalf of residents living within the Mississippi River Chemical Corridor and the Gulf Coast, I strongly support the promulgation of the new carbon pollution standards for existing power plants. Climate change is real and no region knows it better than the Gulf Coast region of the United States. We have already felt and continue to feel the dangerous and costly effects of climate change. As power plants are the largest source of carbon pollution in the United States, it is imperative that we put in place national standards that address carbon pollution from this industry. Additionally, although there are established limits for other pollutants such as arsenic and mercury, there are currently no national limits on carbon. It is of note that many states and businesses have already charted a course toward cleaner, more efficient power. With that, and the flexibility of the EPA’s proposal, we can cut carbon pollution, while still having all the power we need to grow our economy. And as we look toward the future with these standards in place, Americans will see significant public health and climate benefits, now and for future generations.” [Deep South Center for Environmental Justice letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, 5/30/2014]

ENE Climate and Energy Analysis (ENE-CLEAN) Center, Peter Shattuck, Director of Market Initiatives
“’This E.P.A. regulation will breathe life into state-level cap-and-trade programs,’ said Peter Shattuck, director of market initiatives at ENE, a Boston-based climate policy advocacy and research organization.” [New York Times, 5/28/14]

Sierra Club | Michael Brune, Executive Director
“I think it’ll be the single largest thing that the president will do on climate in eight years in one rule,” said Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune. In addition to cutting carbon emissions from power plants across the country, he said, “it will send a strong signal internationally that America’s serious on climate.” [Politico, 5/28/14]

Natural Resources Defense Council | David Doniger, Policy Director
"EPA sets the benchmark, but the states develop the plans." [Wall Street Journal, 5/26/14]

"The EPA has been signaling that whether or not to adopt cap and trade programs is for individual states to decide." [Huffington Post, 5/20/14]

Center for Climate Energy Solutions | Kyle Aarons, Senior Fellow
“This rule is the most significant climate action this administration will take,” said Kyle Aarons at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.” [Politico, 5/16/14]

Ceres | Anne Kelly, Director Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP)
“In light of progress at the federal level, most notably the upcoming carbon pollution standards for existing power plants to be released in early June, and potential threats to vital state renewable portfolio standards (RPS’s), we wanted to share the Climate Declaration with you. We hope you will stand with the companies from Illinois in their call to seize the economic opportunity embedded in addressing climate change.” [BICEP Climate Declaration Letter to Governor Pat Quinn, 5/16/14]

“We wanted to share the Climate Declaration with you given the developments at the federal level and in Michigan. Notable among these is the upcoming carbon pollution standards for existing power plants and the work you administration has done towards developing an energy strategy for Michigan with a stronger commitment to clean energy. We hope you will stand with the companies from Michigan in their call to seize the economic opportunity embedded in addressing climate change.” [BICEP Climate Declaration Letter to Governor Rick Snyder, 5/16/14]

Clean Air Watch | Frank O’Donnell, President
“There’s no question that President Obama views this as a legacy issue and he wants to be very directly involved,” said Frank O’Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch, a non-profit advocacy group in Washington. “It sends the signal that this is going to remain a high profile issue for probably the rest of the president’s term.” [Bloomberg, 5/15/14]

Faith-Based Community

Interfaith Power & Light | Rev. Canon Sally G. Bingham, President & Founder
“We applaud this landmark action that comes at a pivotal time when more people than ever have recognized the threat to their health and safety from unregulated pollution. These rules will safeguard our communities, our climate, and our children's future. As people of faith called to care for God’s people and Creation, especially the most vulnerable, we have a moral obligation to address the profound impacts of the way we use energy. In addition to protecting our climate, curbing pollution from power plants offers many important benefits, including saving lives and reducing health risks to those suffering from heart disease and respiratory ailments such as asthma.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Evangelical Environmental Network | Mitch Hescox, President & CEO
“Climate change represents the greatest threat to life and the greatest opportunity for hope of our generation and the generations yet to come. As an evangelical pro-life Christian, I am honored to stand with the EPA and defend life from the global warming's current threats and even more devastating impacts on the horizon. Today's release of the proposed existing source standard will protect children from health impacts and help lead to cleaner air and purer water. By providing states flexibility in how to reduce carbon pollution, including market-based approaches to pricing carbon, this proposal from EPA will be a major impetus for a clean energy future that creates good jobs and continues to position our country as the world's innovative business leader. It's time to move beyond climate change as a political issue and understand climate change as a people issue, a life issue, a biblical issue."

Creation Justice Ministries | Tyler Edgar, Executive Director
“Climate change is one of the defining moral issues of our time. We look forward to working with the EPA and state and local governments to finalize and implement this proposed rule in a way that ensures justice, stewardship, sustainability, and sufficiency for all of God’s creation.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | Rev. Stacy Martin, Director for Advocacy
“For people of faith, climate change is a justice issue, and the proposed carbon rule is an important step towards helping to ensure a just and sustainable world for generations to come.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) | Archbishop Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, FL & Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development
“The USCCB recognizes the importance of finding means to reduce carbon pollution. These standards should protect the health and welfare of all people, especially children, the elderly, as well as poor and vulnerable communities, from harmful pollution emitted from power plants and from the impacts of climate change. ” [USCCB Letter/Press Release, 5/29/2014]

Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism | Barbara Weinstein, Associate Director
“We commend the Environmental Protection Agency proposal of substantial carbon emissions limits for existing power plants. Scientists and climate experts have long since determined that carbon pollution poses significant threats to public health and disproportionately affects low-income communities, people of color, children and older adults. Additionally, carbon pollution is the primary cause of climate change and the associated frequent and severe storms, rising sea levels and crippling droughts. Each of these and other extreme weather events are further evidence of what was affirmed in the recent National Climate Assessment report, which is that climate change is already having an impact on communities worldwide. These new federal standards, which target a key source of carbon pollution, mark an historic step in our commitment to protecting public health and curbing climate change.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Director, Office of Public Witness
“I am delighted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has moved forward in the process to regulate carbon pollution from power plants today. Indeed, having offered testimony in support of this rule during the public listening sessions, it is with great interest that I follow the EPA’s progress. We know that in the coming days and weeks there will be time to analyze and delve into the details of this proposed rule, but today is a day to rejoice that the United States is taking a step toward limiting our detrimental contributions to global climate change.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Christian Community Development Association (Chicago, IL) I Noel Castellanos, CEO
"As an evangelical pro-life Christian, I believe that climate change represents the greatest threat to life and the greatest opportunity for hope of our generation and the generations yet to come. I am honored to stand with the EPA and protect life from the global warming's current threats and even more devastating impacts on the horizon. Today's release of the proposed existing source standard will fairly price carbon pollution and create a new clean energy future empowering our children and grandchildren with clean air, pure water, and good careers in a United States that is once again the world innovative business leader. It's time to move beyond climate change as a political issue and understand climate change as an issue that values and protects life-a core biblical issue that compels me to raise my voice."

Esperanza (Philadelphia, PA) I Rev. Emilio Marrero, Vice-President
"The impact of air pollution is a significant concern for the Latino community. Latino Americans are more likely to live in areas with high levels of air toxicity due to poverty. We can’t afford not to act. We need better policies that address climate change and provide for the well-being of our communities. We are glad that these standards will help families in our community."

Young Evangelicals for Climate Action I Ben Lowe, National Organizer & Spokesman
“Young evangelicals in the United States are witnessing the impacts of climate change in our country and around the world, and we are coming together to strive for a better way forward. We long to inherit a world defined not by curses such as pollution, instability, and crisis, but by blessings such as healthy communities, stable environments, and abundant opportunities for our generation to thrive. These standards are an important step in the right direction for our country, and we welcome all ideas to reduce carbon pollution, care for those experiencing harmful climate impacts, invest in clean energy technologies, and promote responsible development in our communities and around the world. We have what it takes to do the right thing and we're praying for our political leaders to come together around innovative and responsible solutions to move us forward.”

Word Made Flesh – Portland, OR I Rev. Leroy Barber, Executive Director
“Today we should applaud the EPA for recognizing the impact of climate change on the lives of real people. This is good news to many especially under resourced communities here in the states and around the world.”

Jewish Council for Public Affairs/Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life I Rabbi Steve Gutow, President
“A rule to reduce the carbon pollution caused by the production of energy from coal is absolutely needed today in America. With this rule, we are setting an example to the world that just as we have contributed to climate change, so can we take the lead in halting it. Firm steps like this will take pollutants out of our air that have damaged the health of our children and environment alike. Environmentalism, in addition to a moral and religious prerogative, is a question of responsibility. We can ignore it for the sake of short term convenience, or we can accept it and ensure breathable air and a healthy planet for generations to come. We thank the President for pushing us towards the latter.”

Hip Hop Caucus I Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., President
"We must constantly be creating the best America possible. Solving climate change is a 21st century civil rights issue. We must protect all of our citizens -- rich and poor, women and men, the elderly and children, those of all races -- from health- and life-threatening pollution. Carbon pollution standards for existing power plants are about making our country the best it can be. Cutting our carbon pollution will improve the lives of our citizens who are already suffering from the effects of climate change right now. Cutting our carbon pollution will protect future generations, while ensuring we have all the power we need to grow our economy. Let us act on climate now by cutting carbon pollution from existing power plants."

Green The Church Campaign I Dr. Rev. Ambrose F. Carroll, Founder
“On behalf of the Green the Church Campaign and the wider community of faith leaders in our nation, I would like to express my full support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal for carbon pollution standards for new power plants across the country.”

National Religious Partnership for the Environment I Cassandra Carmichael
“In order to secure the vision of a healthy planet for future generations, faith communities around the nation are seeking ways to reduce their carbon emissions through energy efficiency and clean energy projects. We ask that businesses and government join us to find ways to reduce carbon and other air pollutants from our air so that we can protect human health and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.”

Community Organizations

National Action Network I Rev. Al Sharpton, President
“I applaud President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency on taking action by moving our nation forward with common-sense solutions that will reduce greenhouse emissions, renew energy, protect the health of our children and elderly, rebuild our shorelines and create green jobs.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

League of United Latin American Citizens I Margaret Moran, National President
“According to NRDC’s January 2014 national survey, nine out of ten Latinos overwhelmingly support the government taking action to combat climate change. We understand that climate change has been destructive to our communities, with increasing carbon pollution affecting our families’ health. By making polluting power plants accountable for their carbon emissions, we will be able to eliminate a substantial amount of dangerous pollution from our air. We applaud EPA’s action today.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Mocha Moms, Inc. I Kuae Kelch Mattox, President
“Mocha Moms, Inc. applauds the President and the EPA for this bold step to address an issue that is putting our health, our communities and our families at risk. We applaud him for recognizing that we as Americans have a moral obligation to our children to take action on the main cause of these problems, which is carbon pollution from power plants. Not only will strong limits on carbon pollution protect our health and address climate change, they also will spur innovation in the clean energy and energy efficiency that will power America in the 21st century. That strengthens our children’s opportunities to participate and contribute to a strong national economy.” [Letter, 5/30/2014]

MomsRising.org I Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director
“Moms and their families across the country strongly support the new power plant rule proposed by President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency. The rule would go a long way in reducing the risk of a variety of serious health problems that plague many of our families, including asthma – which affects seven million children in our nation. Since power plants produce 40 percent of the United States' carbon emissions, the rule would also help fight climate change. We thank the President and the EPA for taking this critically important step to protect the air our families breathe and our children's future."

Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) I Antonio R. Flores, President & CEO
“We look forward to the release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rules governing carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants on June 2, 2014. We understand that the regulations are expected to require a steep reduction in carbon emissions while allowing states and companies broad flexibility in how they limit overall greenhouse-gas discharges. This proposal should be a good complement to the regulations on new power plants announced in September 2013. [HACU letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, 5/30/2014]

Mi Familia Vota | Ben Monterroso, Executive Director
“As advocates for the wellbeing and rights of the Latino community, we at Mi Familia Vota applaud the anticipated announcement setting common sense standards limiting carbon emissions from power plants. We know that the Latino community is particularly impacted by air pollution; one out of two Latinos lives in areas where air quality often does not meet EPA’s public health standards, and we know that public polling has shown that Latinos overwhelmingly support action to cut the carbon pollution that drives climate change and threatens public health.”

Latino Ranchers and Farmers | Rudy Arredondo, President
“There is a scientific consensus that climate change will make droughts longer and harsher like the one currently hitting not only Californians, but Texans and New Mexicans which has already cost many people their jobs and livelihoods and resulted in lost harvests. The EPA’s coming announcement is a critical step in combatting the very real consequences of climate change that our communities are already dealing with.”

National Black and Latino Council (NBLC) | Daniel Varagas, Executive Director
“Nearly one in four small business hit by a major disaster do not reopen. Tackling carbon pollution will benefit the nation, as clean renewable energy sources will provide more job opportunities and cleaner production.”

Public Health

American Thoracic Society I Tom Ferkol, MD, President
“As a pediatric pulmonologist who cares for children with severe health problems, we are beginning to recognize the health effects of global warming in our practices. The ATS strongly supports the efforts of President Obama and the EPA to reduce the harmful emissions of greenhouse gasses from power plants. Today’s rules are a step in the right direction toward mitigating climate change. What often gets lost in the discussion is that reducing carbon emissions also decreases other noxious pollutants like mercury, ozone and particulate matter. Mercury, ozone and particular matter are known pollutants that cause neurological damage, respiratory and cardiovascular disease. By reducing carbon pollution today, our children will enjoy the benefits of cleaner air while we address a major cause of global warming.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

American Public Health Association I Georges Benjamin, MD
“The American Public Health Association applauds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today for proposing a 30 percent reduction by 2030 in harmful carbon emissions from existing power plants, a leading contributor to climate change. This is a critical and necessary step for ensuring greater health now and for future generations. Today’s EPA proposal does something unprecedented: guaranteeing lower levels of carbon emissions, which will reduce threats to public health. The proposal will cut carbon pollution, smog and soot, and in its first year will prevent up to 100,000 asthma attacks and 2,100 heart attacks. Thanks to EPA’s proposed standards we will reduce these threats and provide all Americans with safer air, cleaner energy and a more stable climate. On behalf of APHA I thank President Barack Obama and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for helping set a course for a safer and healthier America, and urge the agency to enact the strongest possible restrictions on carbon pollution in its final version.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

National Hispanic Medical Association I Dr. Elena Rios, CEO
““Latino families suffer greatly when industrial carbon pollution is emitted to our air. One out of two Latinos lives in areas where air quality does not meet EPA’s public health standards. Exposure to polluted air causes long-lasting damage to our communities’ health, and those with asthma or respiratory illnesses are at greater risk. We applaud the historic announcement of standards that will limit harmful carbon emissions from power plants and we stand ready to protect our families from the destructive climate change and from the impending threat of global warming.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments I Katie Huffling, Programs Director
“As a nurse, I applaud the EPA’s plan to cap carbon pollution from existing coal fired power plants. Carbon pollution is putting the health of all Americans at risk. We know that carbon pollution from power plants is among the leading causes of climate change, which is associated with increased rates of asthma, allergies, vector-borne diseases, and heat-related ailments and those most vulnerable among us - children, the elderly, and pregnant women - are especially susceptible. By taking steps now to reduce carbon pollution, the EPA is protecting the health of our children and future generations.”

Dr. Sumita B. Khatri, Co-Director Asthma Center Cleveland Clinic & Board Member of the American Lung Association
“Air quality does not just impact people from a theoretical standpoint—it affects our patients, our families, and us. Many are fortunate enough not to worry about how they will catch their next breath, that it is second nature and not a second thought. Children, senior citizens, and individuals with chronic lung or heart conditions are particularly at risk by being exposed to poor air quality. This announcement helps us to set priorities; any measures we can take to improve our air quality will be meaningful to all of us. We must be empowered by knowing that each of us can have a very real impact by paying attention to how our personal actions impact energy efficiency, and how our community chooses to care about the environment. These activities affect the health of those around us not just now but well into the future.”

National Association of County and City Health Officials | Robert M. Pestronk, Executive Director
"People value unpolluted air and better health. It takes all of us and sometimes regulations to make that a reality. The nation's local health departments work every day with others to protect our communities from the health effects of air pollution, to raise awareness, and to mitigate the unhealthy effects of climate change." [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

National Association of County and City Health Officials | Robert Pestronk, Executive Director
"People value unpolluted air and better health. It takes all of us and sometimes regulations to make that a reality," said NACCHO Executive Director Robert M. Pestronk. "The nation's local health departments work every day with others to protect our communities from the health effects of air pollution, to raise awareness, and to mitigate the unhealthy effects of climate change." [Press Release, 6/2/14]

Health Care Without Harm I Gary Cohen, President
“Carbon pollution impacts communities across the country by increasing health risks like asthma and respiratory disease and by exacerbating climate change. The new carbon pollution standards, which include the first ever limits on carbon pollution from power plants, will help protect the health of our children, seniors, and families while also providing major savings in health care costs. Health Care Without Harm welcomes the Administration taking this important step to protect public health.”

American Academy of Pediatrics I Dr. James Perrin, MD, President
“As climate change accelerates, children will continue to suffer disproportionately. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, more than 80% of the current health burden due to the changing climate occurs in children younger than five years old. Children are not just little adults; they breathe faster, spend more time outside and have proportionately greater skin surface exposed to the environment, making them especially vulnerable to all environmental exposures. The regulation released today by the EPA is a welcomed and needed step to help make the air we breathe safer and cleaner for children. As the regulation takes effect, the American Academy of Pediatrics will work with the EPA to ensure the strongest possible standards to protect and promote child health.”

Chicago Physicians for Social Responsibility I Dr. Susan Buchanan, Board of Directors
“Considering the mounting evidence of air pollution’s connections to heart attacks, asthma and other diseases, EPA’s carbon limits mark a bold step forward for public health. We are eager to see next week’s draft and remain poised to work with all stakeholders to ensure these limits are as protective and effective as possible.” [Press Release, 5/29/2014]

National Medical Association I Michael LeNoir, MD, President
“We support President Obama’s Climate Action Plan and believe that it is imperative that we reduce carbon emissions from power plants as well as other significant sources of greenhouse gases in order to limit the health effects that we are seeing in our patients.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Utilities

EDP Renewables North America | Gabriel Alonso, Chief Operating Officer of North America and Director
“With the release of these proposed rules, the Obama Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have taken an important step forward in America’s effort to fight climate change. Wind energy has been a proven, cost-competitive and stable source of carbon-free electricity that has driven and continues to drive billions of dollars of investment nationwide, creating jobs and supporting rural economies while contributing to substantial reductions in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. This rule will help accelerate that trend.” [EDP Renewables North America Statement, 6/02/14]

Xcel Energy | Ben Fowke, President and CEO
“Over the past decade Xcel Energy has invested in a cost-effective clean energy strategy that is benefitting both our customers and the environment,” Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy, said. “We are making significant progress reducing emissions at an excellent price through a combination of energy efficiency programs and coal plant retirements and conversions, and by embracing renewable energy earlier than other utilities. We are on track to surpass our company’s original carbon reduction target of 20 percent to achieve a projected carbon reduction of 31 percent by 2020.” [Press Release 5/29/14]

Dynergy |Robert Flexon, Chief Executive
"It can be a threat or an opportunity. I'd rather make it an opportunity. You can sit and whine about it or find innovative ways to deal with it." [Los Angeles Times, 5/29/14]

American Electric Power | John McManus, Vice President of Environmental Services
“John McManus, vice president of environmental services at American Electric Power, which has coal-fired power plants in 11 states, agreed. ‘We view cap and trade as having a lot of benefits,’ he said. ‘There’s important design considerations that would have to be factored in, to consider each state’s circumstances. But we think it’s definitely worth looking at. It could keep the cost down. It would allow us to keep coal units running for a more extended period. There are a lot of advantages.’” [New York Times, 5/28/14]

FirstEnergy | Anthony J. Alexander, President and CEO
“By trading on carbon credits, we’ll be able to achieve significantly more cuts at a lower cost,” said Anthony J. Alexander, president and chief executive of FirstEnergy, an electric utility with power plants in Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. “The broader the options, the better off we’re going to be.” [New York Times, 5/28/14]

Calpine Corporation |Derek Furstenwerth, Senior Director of Environmental Services
“Today’s report demonstrates clearly what can be accomplished when environmentally responsible power generation is unleashed in competitive power markets,” said Derek Furstenwerth, senior director of environmental services for Calpine Corporation. “Calpine has built our fleet using modern, environmentally-friendly power generation technologies that meet the needs of an economy that demands ever cleaner, more fuel-efficient and dependable sources of electricity. Our success in all of these areas is demonstrated by our continued position as a leading generator and among the lowest-emitting companies in this report.” [NRDC Press Release 5/28/14]

Exelon Corp. | Joe Dominguez, Senior Vice President
“Our goal is to work with EPA to make sure the rule works,” said Joe Dominguez, senior vice president of Exelon Corp. (EXC) “There needs to be a pathway towards meaningful reductions.” [Bloomberg, 5/22/14]

Entergy Corp. | Chuck Barlow, Vice President of Environmental Strategy and Policy
“One objective of this report is to help illuminate the complex emissions landscape in this country--the struggle to balance environmental priorities with economic sustainability," said Chuck Barlow, Entergy’s vice president of environmental strategy and policy. "People want jobs, a strong economy, and clean air and water. Entergy supports all these aspects of American life while maintaining a track record of strong environmental performance. A decade of investments in efficient natural gas and clean, reliable nuclear energy has significantly decreased Entergy's emissions intensity.” [NRDC Press Release, 5/28/14]

Entergy | Chuck Barlow, Vice President of Environmental Strategy and Policy
“We see a potential upside,” said Chuck Barlow, vice president of environmental strategy and policy for Entergy, which owns coal, natural gas and nuclear power plants, including the Indian Point facility north of New York City. “It would be an opportunity for our nuclear facilities.” [Bloomberg, 5/22/14]

Xcel Energy | Frank Prager, Vice President
“Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) has about half of its capacity in coal, followed closely by natural gas. Still, if the EPA gives credit for early action and sets reasonable targets, ‘we are confident we will do fine under the rule,’ Frank Prager, Xcel’s vice president for policy and strategy, said in an interview.” [Bloomberg, 5/22/14]

Southern Company | Tim Leljedal, Spokesman
“’Southern Company is committed to playing a leadership role in finding solutions that make technological, environmental and economic sense,’ Tim Leljedal, a company spokesman, said in an e-mail.” [Bloomberg, 5/22/14]

American Wind Energy Association | Tom Kiernan, CEO
“Reducing carbon pollution by deploying renewable energy will keep electricity affordable and reliable, create jobs, and support local economic development. Renewable energy technologies have become integral and reliable parts of the U.S. electricity supply. Meeting these regulations is very doable, and the U.S.-made renewable energy industries are ready to so affordably.” [Press Release, 6/2/14]

SEIA | Rhone Resch, President and CEO
“Wind, solar and other renewable, carbon-free energy sources are already helping states reduce their harmful carbon emissions – and there’s a lot more we can do. Today, there is a wide range of cost-effective options that states can consider to create a balanced energy portfolio and satisfy new requirements under Section 111 (d). These clean energy options can help regulators customize their approach in order to meet the particular circumstances and needs of their state. We look forward to working with them in the future.” [Press Release, 6/2/14]

Energy Recovery Council | Ted Michaels, President
“The Energy Recovery Council applauds the Obama Administration on today’s announcement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants. ERC believes that renewable technologies, such as waste-to-energy, will help give states a variety options and strategies to meet its objectives. Waste-to-energy is a critical greenhouse gas mitigation tool relied on by the European Union to achieve GHG reductions, and with significant potential for further deployment in the U.S. According to the U.S. EPA, every ton of municipal solid waste processed at a waste-to-energy facility reduces lifecycle GHG emissions by one ton of carbon dioxide equivalents.” [Press Release, 6/2/14]

Opower | Alex Laskey, President and Founder
“The EPA has wisely proposed giving states the flexibility to use low cost energy efficiency, which is cheaper than coal, natural gas and renewables, to meet their carbon reduction goals. This provision could have dramatic growth implications for the US energy efficiency market and create new jobs for contractors, software developers, and other innovators who will be newly incentivized to find cost effective ways to cut energy waste. We at Opower are committed to working with our utility partners to help them meet these new goals and lower energy bills for their customers at the same time.”

Manufacturing and Trade Association

Illinois Commerce Commission |Douglas Scott Chairman
“We’ve also looked at our own go-it-alone Illinois cap-and-trade plan,” said Douglas Scott, chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, which regulates the state’s electric utilities. “But joining a larger, multistate program, we’ll be able to spread out the risk, to mitigate the economic impact.” [New York Times, 5/28/14]

Biomass Power Association | Bob Cleaves, President and CEO
“Biomass Power Association commends the Obama Administration for its strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions from existing power plants. This is an exciting time for renewable energy, especially the biomass industry. The National Climate Assessment released by the White House in May noted the potential for bioenergy to displace up to 30 percent of the nation’s current U.S. petroleum consumption, while improving forest health. As a reliable baseload power source that generates electricity around the clock, biomass is practical and adaptable – an excellent alternative or accompaniment to fossil fuels. Support for biomass is also support for rural economies; many of the jobs generated by biomass facilities are in the heavily forested, sparsely populated areas that need jobs the most.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

General Private Sector & Consulting

PG&E Corporation | Tony Earley, Chairman, CEO and President
“We are committed to building on these emission reduction successes and look forward to working with EPA as it finalizes its emissions rule. Ultimately, PG&E wants to ensure the rule provides flexibility to recognize the unique circumstances and emissions profiles of power companies and individual states across the country, so that we and others in our industry can continue providing safe, reliable, affordable and clean energy to our customers.” [PG&E Corporation Statement, 6/2/14]

Impax Asset Management (US) LLC I Ken Locklin, Managing Director
“These proposed EPA carbon pollution regulations will accelerate innovation and development across the US energy sector. Other countries have surged into the forefront in clean energy practices. These standards can catalyze new low carbon investment here at home.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

VF Corporation I Letitia Webster, Director of Global Sustainability
“As a company that makes innovative apparel and footwear for people who love the outdoors, we know how important addressing climate change is to our consumers, and therefore, our business. Today’s rules provide the long-term certainty that VF needs to continue to invest in clean energy solutions so that we can do our part to reduce the impacts of climate change.” [Press Release, 6/2/14]

Pax World Investments I Dr. Julie Gorte, Senior Vice President for Sustainable Investing
"EPA’s rule will help to continue America’s recent trend toward reduced greenhouse emissions. For businesses and particularly for investors, this will help to reduce the potential risks all businesses face from climate change. EPA’s proposed rule was crafted specifically to build on existing technologies and capacities, and implementing it is something that can be done—and must be done." [Press Release, 6/2/14]

Analysis Group | Sue Tierney, Senior Advisor
“The bottom line: there is no reasonable basis to anticipate that EPA’s guidance, the states’ SIPs and the electric industry’s compliance with them will create reliability problems for the power system, as long as EPA and the state plan appropriately and take timely actions to assure electric-system reliability in their plans,” says Dr. Tierney. “Section 111(d) affords states considerable latitude to mitigate and otherwise resolve reliability concerns.” [Press Release, 5/8/14]

General Policy and Nonprofit Organizations

MoveOn | Anna Galland, Executive Director|
“The climate crisis is real, and it’s at our door. We can no longer wait for our a broken Congress to catch up to the overwhelming scientific consensus that dumping vast amounts of carbon pollution into the atmosphere is already causing harm and threatens to make our planet unlivable for future generations. That’s why MoveOn’s 8 million members support aggressive action to curb carbon pollution. We applaud President Obama’s bold action today — an important step in a longer journey to tackle climate change. The Carbon Pollution Standards mean Americans will breathe cleaner air, reducing health problems like asthma. They mean we are joining others in the international community in taking serious action on climate. And they will create clean energy and energy efficiency jobs. MoveOn members are excited to spread the word about these pollution standards and will fight to ensure they are implemented in smart and effective ways in every state. “

Center for American Progress | Neera Tanden, President
The proposed rule has the dual benefit of curbing the devastating effects of carbon pollution on our health and environment and boosting our economy by spurring technological innovation. Americans all over the country are already feeling the impacts of climate change. We can no longer afford to stand idly by as Congress fails to address the nation’s largest contributor to greenhouse gases. Taking action to reduce these pollutants will help families and communities, but it is also a demonstration of leadership on one of the greatest challenges of our time. [Press Release , 5/31/14]

Center for American Progress | Carol Browner, Distinguished Senior Fellow
Carbon is the last unchecked pollutant from power plants. The EPA and the Obama administration are taking an historic step to protect our children and future generations from climate change impacts. The proposed rule will drive technological innovation and give states the flexibility to meet reduction targets through their own plans. Now is the time for states to begin working with residents and businesses, public health officials, and industry leaders to plot the course forward. Making a dent in the unlimited carbon pollution from power plants is essential if we hope to have any measurable success in reversing climate change, and the states will lead the way in setting this policy. [Press Release, 5/31/14]

Educational Institutions

Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions | Tim Profeta, Director
"There's early conversations among states that regional pooling of their resources would be desirable because of the interconnectedness of their grids." [Press Release, 5/28/14]

Harvard School of Public Health | Jonathan Buoncore, Program Leader of Climate, Energy and Health
"’This is an opportunity to both mitigate climate change and protect public health,’ says co-author Jonathan Buonocore of the Harvard School of Public Health. The study says all states would benefit, especially those in and near the Ohio River Valley and the Rocky Mountain region.”

Government

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
“The EPA’s proposed rule setting carbon standards for power plants will help protect public health by improving air quality and reducing exposure to particle pollution. It’s clear that carbon pollution and global climate change are linked to health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to particle pollution may cause breathing problems, asthma symptoms to get worse, adverse birth outcomes, lung cancer and early death. The United States National Climate Assessment says that “climate change threatens human health and well-being in many ways, including impacts from increased extreme weather events, wildfire, decreased air quality, threats to mental health, and illnesses transmitted by food, water, and disease-carriers such as mosquitoes and ticks.” With more than 25 million Americans, including more than 6.5 million children, living with asthma, and countless others suffering from the health effects of carbon pollution and climate change, we must act. Less carbon in the air we breathe protects the health of all Americans.” [Press Release, 6/2/14]

U.S. Department of the Interior | Secretary Sally Jewell
“The President understands that we have a moral obligation to future generations to leave our land, water, and wildlife better than we found it. From standing up homegrown renewable energy and transmission infrastructure, to reducing methane emissions while supporting safe and responsible energy development, to making lands and waters more resilient in the face of climate change, the Interior Department is committed to being a strong partner in cutting carbon pollution and creating American jobs. The common sense steps being taken by the Environmental Protection Agency will protect public health while providing states with the flexibility they need to make informed decisions about the mix of energy sources that works best for them." [Press Release 6/2/2014]

U.S. Department of Energy | Secretary Ernest Moniz
"We must commit to leaving our children and grandchildren a healthy planet. If we don’t act, they could face increasingly severe effects of climate change, such as storm surges driven by warmer water and rising sea levels, more extreme droughts, and massive costs to adapt to a changing world. These new rules for existing power plants help lay the groundwork for a clean energy economy that will pay economic, environmental, and security dividends." [Press Release 6/2/14]

Representative Henry Waxman, D-CA 30, Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce
“The proposal is a major step forward. Acting now will protect public health, slow global warming, and create new clean energy jobs. Doing nothing will lead to catastrophic changes in the climate and endanger our health and economy. The proposal takes the nation in the right direction at a crucial crossroads. “We are a can-do country and will be able to achieve the reasonable reductions required by the rule. Industry always exaggerates the impact of clear air regulations. But the history of the Clean Air Act shows we can have both a clean environment and a strong economy. The carbon pollution standards are especially strong in their early years. They establish a foundation upon which President Obama and Congress can build to ensure we protect our planet for our children and lead the way in creating the clean energy economy of the future.” [statement, 6-2-14]

Governor Deval Patrick, D-MA
“I applaud EPA’s new carbon rules, which will unleash clean energy innovation and reduce energy costs while protecting our environment and public health,” said Governor Patrick. “This is a critical step in moving the nation toward a clean energy future, one that we’ve already embraced in Massachusetts with great results. The Obama Administration is showing leadership in clean energy for American citizens today, and in the future.” [press release, 6-2-14]

U.S. Senator Whitehouse, D-RI, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety
“Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases cause our atmosphere to warm, with the consequent changes we are seeing in weather, storms, and seasons. The added heat contributes to the formation of toxic ground-level ozone, which is harmful to breathe and is a cause of the "bad air days" in my home state of Rhode Island. And don't overlook our oceans, which absorb about a third of the carbon pollution being emitted and most of the excess heat. As a result, oceans are becoming more acidic, water temperatures are increasing, and sea levels are rising across the globe. This is all virtually indisputable, and follows immutable laws of science.” [Op-ed, 6/2/14]

House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC)
“SEEC welcomes EPA’s first-ever proposal to cut carbon pollution from power plants. Climate change is already altering the world around us. All across our country people are witnessing its impacts, which will only worsen the longer we allow this problem to persist unmitigated. We must work to address carbon pollution, the principal contributor to climate change. With today’s announcement, we are taking an important step in fulfilling our promise of a healthier and brighter tomorrow for our children. We already have limits on toxins like lead, mercury, and arsenic. Carbon pollution should be no different and as of today it no longer is. In the first year alone, these safeguards will help prevent 100,000 asthma attacks and 2,100 heart attacks. It’s a common-sense effort that builds on activities already underway in a number of states as well as other critical initiatives by the Administration to reign in carbon pollution, such as increasing the fuel efficiency of our vehicles and efficiency of our appliances.” [press release, 6-2-14]

Mayor Marty Walsh , D-Boston
"I applaud President Obama and Administrator McCarthy for taking this bold action to address the causes of climate change. The City of Boston is at the forefront of addressing climate change through nationally-recognized programs and policies in energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate preparedness, and Boston's universities and clean tech companies will be where many of tomorrow's breakthroughs will be developed. As a coastal city, we are keenly aware of our profound vulnerabilities to climate change, but with local, state, and federal action, we are confident we can address this challenge."

Representative Earl Blumenauer (D, OR-3)
“Today the Administration took an important step forward in the fight against climate change – with new clean air safeguards that will cut carbon pollution from existing power plants for the first time. This is crucial for public health. Climate change will bring increased extreme weather, worsening air quality and increase threats to illnesses that will threaten our health and safety.” [press release, 6-2-14]

Representative Keith Ellison (D, MN-5)
“Reducing carbon pollution from power plants is the right thing to do and will guarantee a healthier future for our children. It is the single most important action that President Obama can take to minimize the worst effects of climate change. Investing in green energy creates good jobs around the country. “Polluters must pay for the damage they cause. Communities around the country are already seeing higher rates of childhood asthma, increased food prices and superstorms that hit low-income communities hardest—all the effects of a changing climate. In Minnesota, we have had three 1,000-year flooding events in the last decade. By aggressively cutting carbon pollution and holding fossil fuel companies accountable, we can lower health costs for millions of Americans. “[Statement, 6-2-14]

Representative Lois Capps (D, CA-24)
Today’s announcement by the EPA is a historic step forward in our effort to combat climate change and protect the health of our communities. With Congressional leadership refusing to act, these proposed rules will go a long way toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, keeping our air clean, and protecting the health of seniors, children, and families.” [Statement, 6-2-14]

Representative Chris Van Hollen (D, MD-8)
"Today's proposed carbon standard gives states the flexibility to meet reasonable, achievable reductions of the pollution that is endangering public health and increasing costs to our communities from damaging extreme weather events. It will build on existing state programs, like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in Maryland and other Northeastern states, and spur job-creating growth in industries like renewable energy and energy efficiency. By tapping into American ingenuity and innovation, we can protect our children and future generations from the impacts of climate change and lead the world in the 21st century clean energy economy." [Statement, 6-2-14]

Representative Doris Matsui (D, CA-6)
“I am pleased that the Administration today took a big step forward in turning the tide of dangerous climate change by placing sensible limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants. California has already taken bold steps to combat climate change, and it is past time for our nation as a whole to tackle climate change. “Climate change is already threatening our communities and the risks will only get worse if we don’t take action. In 2012 alone, the cost of weather disasters exceeded $110 billion in the United States. In California, our entire state is in a historic drought. Climate change will only increase the frequency and intensity of these events, unless we take action now. It is our responsibility to do all we can to protect this and future generations. [Statement, 6-2-14]

Representative Jim Moran (D, VA-8)
“The EPA’s proposal today is a game changing decision that reflects President Obama’s commitment to act on climate change. This is a problem that won’t go away unless we take decisive action to reduce the carbon emissions that are driving climate change. But this isn’t just about the threat it poses in the future. This is a present day threat to our national security, our economy, our health and well-being. Climate change is already affecting communities across the country. We can’t continue ignoring its effects, whether it’s sick children or dangerous extreme weather events. Gina McCarthy’s proposal gives states incredible flexibility to reduce carbon emissions. I hope that communities that have borne the brunt of harmful emissions from unregulated and outdated coal-fired power plants will be the primary beneficiaries, the way Alexandrians benefitted from the closure of the Potomac River Generating Station, once the region’s single largest source of air pollution. Power plants are responsible for nearly 40 percent of the carbon pollution in the U.S. It’s time for the utility industry adapt for our future.” [Press release, 6-2-14]

Representative Jim McDermott (D, WA-7)
“I commend the Obama administration on its announcement today to curb harmful carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. This action represents the single strongest commitment ever taken by an American president to combat climate change. This action also helps make the price of carbon emissions – which is paid by each and every one of us – increasingly transparent to the American people. The science of climate change is clear: this is not an abstract notion for future generations to cope with; it is happening now. The price of carbon emissions and the impacts of climate change are now being felt across the United States – in our polluted air, the warming and acidification of our oceans, stressed ecosystems and increasingly destructive weather patterns. Democrats in Congress recognize the need to act now for environmental stewardship, for businesses, for national security, for the health and security of American families. Carbon in the atmosphere doesn't just accelerate a change in climate, it poses a public health risk to everyone downwind. I recently reintroduced the Managed Carbon Price Act of 2014, legislation to put a price on carbon and lower harmful greenhouse gas emissions over time. I support the Environmental Protection Agency’s actions moving forward and hope my legislation will contribute to this critical discussion moving forward.”

Pacific Coast Collaborative | Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor of California
The leaders of California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia today applauded the Obama Administration’s newly released proposal for reducing carbon pollution as a welcome sign that the federal government is stepping up as a partner in the fight against climate change: “President Obama and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy are to be congratulated for accelerating a national response to the costs and risks of climate change,” said Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. “President Obama today announced historic federal policy action to address climate change,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “While others delay and deny, the Obama Administration is confronting climate change head-on with these new standards,” said California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. “I congratulate President Obama and the U.S. EPA for taking the next step on the path to not only reducing carbon pollution in the United States, but also in driving investment in new clean technology and clean energy for years to come,” said British Columbia Premier Christy Clark. [Press Release 6/2/14]

State of Connecticut | Dannel Malloy, Governor
“It is long past time that we as a nation seriously and systemically confront the danger that carbon pollution poses to the health and well-being of our citizens. It is our solemn duty to leave the world a better place for us having lived in it. To not act would be to abandon our children and our children’s children to a planet that is unsustainably sick. I commend President Obama and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for the Clean Power Plan they proposed today, which signals to the world that we will lead by example and reduce carbon pollution, clean up our air, and begin curing the planet.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

State of Connecticut | George Jepsen, Attorney General
"I applaud President Obama and the EPA for honoring their pledge to reduce carbon emissions over the next several years. It is appropriate and critical that the EPA exercise its legal authority and satisfy its obligation to regulate. Such regulation would complement the contributions of the existing Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in promoting improved air quality and reducing health risks to our citizens." [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection| Rob Klee, Commissioner
“In Connecticut we are already seeing rising water levels and temperatures in Long Island Sound, more severe weather patterns, more frequent flooding, and changes in species and vegetation consistent with warming temperatures. The only way to reverse this tide is through a nation-wide commitment to reduce the volume of carbon emissions we are pumping into our atmosphere. In Connecticut, we have already made strong progress in reducing carbon emissions from the power sector. We will look forward to reviewing the EPA proposal in detail to ensure that it recognizes our accomplishments and those of other states that have taken leadership roles on this critical issue – and provides a path for other states to take similar actions.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Donald Elliott, EPA General Counsel from 1989-91 (under President Bush)
“Limiting Greenhouse Gas emissions from existing power plants is the next logical step after the Supreme Court and other courts have upheld EPA’s authority and obligation to address this issue. A system-wide approach provides needed flexibility and reduces costs, as well as encouraging investment in lower-emitting generation. EPA has wisely left the states a lot of discretion rather than mandating specific measures as some had wanted….We don’t yet know all the details of the President’s approach, but what I have heard sounds promising. I have been an advocate of system wide approaches, going back to time I was General Counsel of EPA 1989-1991 under President George H.W Bush as well as in my academic writings.” [Legal Planet, 6/1/2014]

U.S. Senator John Walsh, D-MT
“We need to protect our clean air, clean water and breathtaking public lands – not only for the outdoor economies that Montanans rely on, but also for our children and grandchildren. I grew up next door to the Berkeley Pit, one of America’s largest Superfund sites, and know what’s at stake if we fail to do what’s right. I’m proud to have the support of local and national groups committed to protecting our outdoor heritage and making sure my granddaughter and future generations inherit an even better Montana than we’ve known." [LCV Press Release, 5/30/2014]

U.S. Senator Edward Markey, D-MA, Chairman of Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs and International Environmental Protection, and Peace Corps
“It was an honor and a privilege to meet with Pope Francis and other Vatican leaders to share our common concern about the challenge of our time, climate change,” said Senator Markey, who chairs the Foreign Relations subcommittee on international climate issues and leads the U.S. Senate Climate Change Clearinghouse. “The Pope and all people of faith understand that climate change is a moral issue, and that we are called to respond to this personal and planetary challenge.” [Press Release, 5/29/14]

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection| Rob Klee, Commissioner “In Connecticut we are already seeing rising water levels and temperatures in Long Island Sound, more severe weather patterns, more frequent flooding, and changes in species and vegetation consistent with warming temperatures. The only way to reverse this tide is through a nation-wide commitment to reduce the volume of carbon emissions we are pumping into our atmosphere. In Connecticut, we have already made strong progress in reducing carbon emissions from the power sector. We will look forward to reviewing the EPA proposal in detail to ensure that it recognizes our accomplishments and those of other states that have taken leadership roles on this critical issue – and provides a path for other states to take similar actions.” [Press Release, 6/2/2014]

Environmental Protection Agency | Tom Reynolds, Spokesman
“Critics have tried for years to convince people that more pollution equals more jobs and a better economy, but history has proved them wrong over and over again,” EPA said in a statement. “EPA has been around for more than 40 years; and throughout our history we’ve cut pollution by 70 percent while the economy has doubled.” [Politico, 5/28/14]

Maryland Public Service Commission | Kelly Speakes-Backman, Commissioner
"A mass-based regional approach is simple, transparent and able to accommodate many carbon emission reductions including energy efficiency and renewable power.” [Press Release, 5/27/15]

Receive our News Releases Automatically by Email

Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases

Get news releases by email

View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.

Recent additions

12/23/2014		EPA Announces Availability of $2.7 Million in Environmental Education Local Grants
12/23/2014		EPA, Coast Guard Extend Pollution Control Agreement with Royal Caribbean: New advanced technologies allow industry to comply with emission standards, reduce costs
12/23/2014		EPA to Hold Public Hearings in California, Texas and D.C. on Proposed Smog Standards
12/23/2014		Nominations for EPA New England’s Annual Environmental Merit Awards-Deadline is January 30, 2015
12/22/2014		XTO Energy, Inc. to Restore Areas Damaged by Natural Gas Extraction Activities