Pallone on Clean Power Plan Roll Back

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2017


Washington, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced plans to roll back the Clean Power Plan:

“The Clean Power Plan is a critical part of our nation’s clean energy future, and puts us on a path to clean air, better health, and a stronger economy. Administrator Pruitt’s decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan is a thinly veiled attempt to prop up polluters. Make no mistake, this action puts the health and safety of all Americans at risk by failing to protect the public from the threat posed by polluters and a rapidly changing climate.

“Whatever Dirty Power Plan this administration cobbles together will undoubtedly fall short of their legal obligation to protect our families and communities from harmful carbon pollution, and I am confident it will be met with fierce and unwavering opposition.

“Today’s announcement, combined with Secretary Perry’s effort to artificially distort the energy markets in favor of coal, makes clear that President Trump is determined to tilt the scales towards coal production no matter how harmful it is to people and our planet. The human and financial costs of unchecked climate change are high and increasing fast: look no further than this year’s devastating hurricanes and wildfires. For the sake of future generations, we simply cannot afford to go backwards and that is exactly what the Trump Administration is proposing today.”