Statements on the EPA’s Proposed Rule to Withdraw from the Obama Clean Power Plan

Source: Republican National Committee (RNC)

Below are statements on on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt’s decision to sign a proposed rule withdrawing from the Obama Clean Power Plan:

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel

"I applaud the EPA’s proposal to rescind the Obama Clean Power Plan," said Chairwoman McDaniel. "This plan was nothing but a power grab by the EPA to impose more regulations that would ultimately devastate America’s electricity industry, raise prices on consumers, and wreak havoc on our economy. This is a positive first step towards restoring the EPA to its’ traditional scope of authority while returning decision-making power back to the states."

U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu

“We are disappointed in the Administration’s decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan and would urge them to rethink their position. The Clean Power Plan would have set the first-ever federal limits on carbon pollution from power plants, which are the largest single source and are responsible for approximately 40 percent of the carbon pollution in the United States. The Clean Power Plan would have also encouraged the development of cleaner, safer energy, creating jobs and spurring economic growth.”

“We acknowledge the detrimental impact that climate change already has, and will continue to have on our communities and our planet. Mayors will continue to lead the way and we will work with the private sector to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in order to remain economically competitive and energy independent.”

“Despite this setback and just like we did when the Administration pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, the nation’s mayors will continue to stand for what’s right. We will redouble our efforts and broaden our partnerships with the business community to fill the leadership void as we work to effectively mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

House Representative Nanette Barragan (D-CA, 44th)

Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro) issued the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt took steps today to repeal the Clean Power Plan:

"Scott Pruitt's decision to undo the Clean Power Plan is a step backward for public health and the environment.

By rolling back these regulations, the administration will ensure our air is more polluted and greenhouse gases continue to pile up in the atmosphere. America’s future needs to be clean, renewable energy and the jobs those new technologies are creating.

We count on the EPA to protect our air and water. Administrator Pruitt appears more interested in doing the bidding of the fossil fuel industry than in upholding the mission of the agency he swore to lead. Pruitt’s decision is regressive and will disproportionately hurt low-income and communities of color. Vulnerable communities, including those in my district, tend to breath the unhealthiest air and bear the brunt of the worst effects of climate change.

Simply put, Scott Pruitt's misguided actions threaten the health of American families.”

House Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12th)

“The White House’s short-sighted, dangerous decision to dismantle the Clean Power Plan is a direct assault on the health of our nation’s children. Yet again, the Trump Administration is showing its disregard for the health and security of the American people, and is demonstrating its failure of leadership to combat the surging storms, devastating wildfires and other catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis.

“From the start, this Administration has furiously fought to roll back all climate protections, without any concern for the impact on the jobs and health of hard-working Americans. From pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord to pushing an EPA budget purpose-built to gut protections for the American people to openly denying the scientific reality of the climate crisis, the White House has made clear its complete disinterest in advancing a healthier, stronger clean energy economy that creates the good-paying jobs of the future.

“The Trump Administration and this Congress have a sacred obligation to preserve the beauty of God’s creation for future generations. Democrats will continue to fight for real, bold action to safeguard the future of our climate and children.”

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