House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on President Obama's announcement of his Clean Power Plan:
"Today's announcement of the President's Clean Power Plan represents an important step toward a cleaner and more sustainable future for America and the world. While cutting carbon pollution from power plants, this rule will give states the flexibility to develop their own emissions reduction plans. The rule acknowledges the work of states like Maryland that already participate in a greenhouse gas emissions trading program to combat climate change. The rule will also allow nuclear power to count toward emission reduction goals, further helping to transition our economy away from more heavily carbon polluting means of electrical generation.
"By incentivizing early action to cut emissions and to deploy renewable methods like solar and wind, the Clean Power Plan is both fair and forward-looking. I am pleased that it pays particular attention to improving energy efficiency for low-income communities, which are well past due for critical investments that will employ people in their communities, help them to save energy, and lower their electricity bills. House Democrats will continue to work with the President and with EPA Administrator McCarthy to promote policies that recognize the threat posed by climate change and help us address that threat with serious action to reduce carbon pollution."