Senate May Take Vote to Block Carbon Standard, Clean Water Rule

After all of the incredible work put into EPA’s historic standards to limit carbon pollution from power plants, proposed just two weeks ago, Senate Republicans may force a vote to block them as soon as this week. They’ve also got EPA’s clean water rule in their sights, and are expected to offer amendments to block both of these historic efforts on Thursday. Amazingly, they’ve even managed to jump the line and offer these amendments on seemingly unrelated bills. While we expected these antics on the appropriations bill governing EPA’s budget, which both houses of Congress may consider later this year, we did not expect that these amendments would make their way onto the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations package – the legislative vehicle Senate Rs are expected to attempt to amend on Thursday.

Wildlife and Americans alike depend on clean air and water. This photo of Long Pine Lake at mid morning was donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Gema Saiz.
Wildlife and Americans alike depend on clean air and water. This photo of Long Pine Lake at mid morning was donated by National Wildlife Photo Contest entrant Gema Saiz.
Procedural nonsense aside, the end goal is clear: to dismiss the voices of the American people and protect the interests of corporate polluters over the health, safety and environment of the public writ large. The U.S. Senate needs to stand up and say no to effort to undermine important these protections which will ultimately reduce millions of tons of carbon pollution and protect millions of acres of wetlands and streams across the country.

Luckily, we’re in a strong place – thirty seven Senators issued supportive or positive statements upon release of the carbon pollution standard and many of them have also applauded the clean water rule. That’s because Senators are starting to see the writing on the wall: yet another poll has come out, this week from the Wall Street Journal, showing that 67% of Americans support the carbon pollution standards.  And opinion polls consistently show that clean water is a top priority for Americans across the political and socioeconomic spectrum.

Enough is enough – these amendments should be soundly defeated and EPA should be allowed to move forward to protect clean air and water, as is their mission. Call, email or tweet at your Senator today to urge them to vote NO on these dangerous amendments to block the carbon pollution standards and the clean water rule—our clean air and water are at stake.