Virginia groups, supporting federal standards to limit dangerous carbon pollution from power plants, issued the following statement following the President’s State of the Union address, offering strong support for the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. They say it reflects the strong desire of Virginians and other Americans for leadership to address climate change and its impact on Virginia’s public health.
“President Obama has taken bold and unprecedented leadership on climate change. He renewed his commitment to protecting our health and our environment in his State of the Union address reiterating his intention to move forward with the Clean Power Plan, the signature piece of his climate change plan that sets the first ever federal limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants. Implementation of the Clean Power Plan will be essential to fighting climate change impacts in Virginia, safeguarding our public health and protecting our wildlife and natural resources. President Obama’s leadership here at home on climate change gives him the platform needed to secure strong commitments to reduce carbon pollution from countries like China. With 2014 on record as the hottest year ever measured, Virginians look forward to continuing to work with him and Virginia leaders to implement this important policy, to fight the big polluters’ agenda to roll back progress, and to move us away from fossil fuels to a clean energy future.”
The following Virginia groups have signed onto this statement:
Environment Virginia
Moms Clean Air Force Virginia Chapter
Sierra Club, Virginia Chapter
Virginia Conservation Network