We have fantastic news. Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King voted this week against efforts to block President Obama’s Clean Power Plan.
This summer, President Obama announced his Clean Power Plan which includes the final U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards to curb carbon pollution from power plants.
Even though these standards are now in place, there are efforts under way in Congress to block these standards.
While we continue to monitor this situation, we are asking you to reach out to Senators Collins and King and thank them for rejecting efforts to block or undermine these standards.
Both our Maine senators have been a leaders on climate issues. Please call Senator Collins at (207) 780-3575 or email and call Senator King at (207) 883-1588 or email and thank both of them for opposing efforts to block or undermine the Clean Power Plan.
Background
The effects of climate change are apparent everywhere we look. Beyond the obvious changes – earlier ice-outs on our lakes and longer droughts – is a suite of wildlife impacts. Charismatic species like the Common Loon and moose face new burdens and bird species on our coasts, coastal plains and especially our forests, are experiencing changes in their food webs and habitat suitability.
Although some of these disruptions will in the long run balance out, many portent irrecoverable habitat losses and corresponding population impacts – impacts that will mean a different outdoor future for both Maine residents and the legions of people who come here to appreciate the eastern United States’ best place.
In August, President Obama announced the final Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan is fair, flexible and designed to strengthen the trend toward cleaner and lower-polluting energy. The Plan includes strong yet achievable standards for power plans, reducing carbon dioxide emission by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, and includes customized goals for states to cut carbon pollution. It provides national consistency, accountability and a level playing field. Its finalization position the United States as a demonstrated global leader on addressing climate change.
On November 17, the U.S. Senate voted on two resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to block the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. We lost the vote 52-46, but President Obama will veto, and we have enough votes sustain his veto.
For more information, please go visit our website or please contact:
Jenn Burns Gray
Maine Audubon Staff Attorney and Advocate
jgray@maineaudubon.org
(207) 781-2330 x224
To sign up for Maine Audubon’s Action Alert e-mails, please click here.
