President Obama’s Climate Plan a Clear Victory for Minnesota, Future Generations

Environment Minnesota

Minnesota – Today, President Obama announced a climate plan that will set limits on carbon pollution from power plants, advance energy efficiency and increase the nation’s commitment to renewable energy. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, record drought in many states, and historic flooding in Minnesota, the president’s plan to address global warming was loudly applauded by Environment Minnesota and many others.
 
“Today President Obama responded to the millions of Americans who have spoken out on behalf of their communities and their families, urging him to lead on climate,” said Madeline Page, field organizer from Environment Minnesota. “All of us who have felt the effects of global warming, or simply worried about what’s in store for our kids, can take comfort in knowing that President Obama has put the nation on a path toward a cleaner, healthier and safer future.”
 
Left unchecked, global warming is projected to bring to Minnesota more intense storms and more unhealthy air days. Minnesotans need only look to ravaging droughts and subsequent extreme precipitation events, like those that devastated Duluth last year, to understand the impact of frequent and severe extreme weather. Scientists have warned that the window is rapidly closing for making the necessary cuts in carbon pollution to protect future our children and grandchildren from the worst consequences of global warming.
 
To respond to this threat, the president’s plan contains several key components. It will:

  •  Limit carbon pollution from new and existing power plants. The president directed the Environmental Protection Agency to set limits on carbon pollution from new and existing power plants, which currently lack any such federal limits despite being the largest single source of the carbon pollution fueling global warming.
  •  Invest in energy efficiency. New efficiency measures for buildings and new appliances will cut carbon pollution by reducing our overall energy demand.
  • Build more renewable energy. The plan focuses on expanding production of clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar, especially on public lands.
  • Support affected communities. The president’s plan will help ensure that communities are better equipped to prepare for and recover from the impacts of global warming.
  • Rebuild U.S. leadership Internationally. The president’s plan calls for the U.S. to actively engage in international efforts to address global warming.

Environment Minnesota offered special praise for the president’s pledge to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants. More than 3.2 million Americans, and 48,000 Minnesotans, submitted public comments last year in support of the president setting limits on carbon pollution from power plants. Numerous organizations and opinion leaders from Minnesota have spoken out in support as well, including over 50 local elected officials, community leaders, and academics.
 
“Carbon pollution from power plants is a huge part of the global warming problem. Today President Obama acknowledged this and mapped out a plan for cleaning up this pollution,” said Page. “We also know that this plan is just one important step in a multi-year effort, and that the proof of the plan’s success will be in the pudding. Environment Minnesota and our members stand ready to assist the president in following through on this critical commitment.”