“Clean Power Plan delay disappoints”
Rome News-Tribune
March 6, 2016
Written by Hilary Merlin
Thank you for your coverage of the Supreme Court’s temporary stay of the Clean Power Plan (“Georgia Power hails SCOTUS decision to block enforcement of Clean Power Plan,” 2/11/16). This delay, which puts implementation of the Clean Power Plan on hold until all legal challenges are resolved, is very disappointing. Also disappointing is that Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division has signaled that they will suspend preparations to comply with these first-ever federal limits on carbon pollution.
Carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants are the single greatest contributor to climate change in the U.S. Climate change already affects the health of Americans and creates multiple, profound risks for our future. Georgia needs to take action to reduce those threats by cutting carbon pollution. When carbon pollution from power plants is curtailed, other toxic pollutants are also reduced, and life-saving benefits to public health begin immediately.
The Supreme Court has already upheld EPA’s authority to regulate carbon pollution under the Clean Air Act. By taking steps to reduce carbon pollution from power plants and developing a strong state implementation plan that invests in truly clean energy sources, such as wind and solar, and also in energy efficiency, Georgia can be ready to put its plan in place when this litigation is resolved.
Mothers & Others for Clean Air, a program of the American Lung Association of the Southeast, will continue to support the Clean Power Plan and encourage Georgia’s leaders to move forward in planning for a healthier future for all.
