EPA to Hold DC Hearing on Climate Rule Rollback – Please Testify!

The Environmental Protection Agency is taking alarming steps to back away from its greenhouse gas rule for new and modified power plants. Power plants make up nearly one-third of all climate pollution in this country. If the agency succeeds, its actions will result in more harmful carbon emissions that worsen the impacts of climate change for people and wildlife.

The EPA will have a public hearing on this proposal on Thursday, February 14, 2019, from 8:00am – 6:00pm (EST) in Washington, D.C. at the EPA WJC East Building, 1201 Constitution Avenue. Go to Visiting EPA’s Headquarters for directions, transportation and parking information.

Click here to register to give testimony!

Additional background and sample talking points are below.

Governor Inslee testifies at an EPA hearing on October 1, 2018. Credit: Frank Szollosi

Please testify!  We need folks to show up in force in defense of limiting climate pollution from coal-fired power plants.  Follow this link to register to testify.  The deadline to register is NOON (ET) on February 12.  

Testifying is easy – only a 5-minute statement is needed.  You don’t need to be a climate expert, and in fact, it’s best to tell your personal story about why you are concerned about climate change.  And please encourage your friends to come too!

This is our opportunity to speak out in defense of existing common-sense rules to reduce carbon pollution from our nation’s coal-fired power plants and oppose backwards actions that place our communities and wildlife at risk.

Background

The 2015 new source rule was a complement to the Clean Power Plan, which covered existing power plants. Together, these rules were predicted to cut power sector greenhouse gas emissions by more than one-third by 2030, making a significant down payment on the U.S.’ promise to the world to help fight climate change.  The Clean Power Plan is also in the process of being repealed and replaced by something called the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which is largely designed to prop up coal-fired power generation.

The new source proposed rule would change emissions requirements to what is already achievable with current technology – basically, it eliminates the need to install new, cleaner technology.

Alarmingly, the EPA is also asking for input on whether it needs additional rationale to regulate coal-fired power plants at all, which we worry will be used to dramatically alter the Clean Air Act in future actions. 

What to Say When You Attend

Make it personal

From Atlantic puffins in Maine facing starvation, to moose in Minnesota suffering from worsened ticks and heat, and fish in Colorado dying from toxic runoff caused by extreme wildfires—wildlife are counting on us to address climate change now.
(USFWS) From Atlantic puffins in Maine facing starvation, to moose in Minnesota suffering from worsened ticks and heat, and fish in Colorado dying from toxic runoff caused by extreme wildfires—wildlife are counting on us to address climate change.
  • Why does climate change matter to you? Use your comments to add a personal face to this national problem.
  • Climate change is causing more intense weather events. Have you been impacted by worsened extreme weather such as Hurricane Sandy, the extreme flooding in Colorado, prolonged drought in the Southwest or other severe weather events?
  • Smog and air pollution can cause or worsen respiratory illnesses- including allergies and asthma. Have you or members of your family felt any of the negative health impacts of climate change? Or, are you a health professional who works with people who are harmed by air pollution from coal-fired power plants?
  • Climate change is harming wildlife and the outdoor places that we love most. How is a changing climate affecting the wildlife and outdoor places that you love?

Include a few key facts

  • The world’s scientists have reported that all nations must move swiftly to drive down climate-disrupting pollution like carbon dioxide if we are to have a chance at preventing the worst consequences of climate change. They are urging nations to adopt policies resulting in no net carbon pollution by 2050.
  • Yet the US EPA is moving in the exact opposite direction, ignoring already worsening climate impacts and putting our future at risk.
  • The EPA has proposed a rule that will weaken needed protections against harmful greenhouse gas emissions from new and modified coal plants.
  • This is the most recent attack in a very long list of attacks on environmental protections, including attacks on clean air, clean water, and wildlife.
  • This proposal follows the U.S. EPA’s recent efforts to repeal and replace the Clean Power Plan (which limited climate pollution from existing power plants) with a pro-coal alternative called the Affordable Clean Energy rule.
  • I strongly oppose any efforts to weaken our climate protections – they are critical for the health and safety of communities and wildlife across the U.S.
  • The American public demands clean energy. Solar and wind offer affordable and more sustainable alternatives to outdated and harmful coal power.
  • This administration should be investing in clean energy while maintaining strong environmental protections, not trying to revive a dying, polluting industry.

Write your comments down

  • The time limit is 5 minutes. People usually read 150 words in one minute, so keep your comments under 750 words.
  • Written statements and supporting information submitted during the comment period will be considered with the same weight as oral comments and supporting information presented at the public hearing. 
  • Bring two hard copies of your written comments to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency, with your name and contact info written on the comments. They can be typed or hand-written.
  • If you can’t make it, still be sure that your voice is heard. You can speak up by submitting your comments to The Environmental Protection Agency before March 18.
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Published: January 15, 2019