Rep. Schneider Statement on EPA Proposal to Cut Greenhouse Gas

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a rule requiring existing power plants to cut their greenhouse gas pollution for a national average cut of 30 percent below the 2005 level by 2030.

"Addressing the challenges presented by climate change requires concerted, long-term action, and the new EPA standards represent just that. Asking our energy sector to curb carbon pollution is a significant step forward in combatting climate change and modernizing how we power our nation for future generations. Reducing carbon pollution not only helps improve the air we breathe, it helps spur important investments in green technology that are critical to reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Climate change is a real, pressing threat and by developing and harnessing green and renewable energy, we can continue to lessen the impact on the Earth's climate and pass along a cleaner, healthier planet to the next generation."

According to the EPA, the new proposed rule is estimated to save the U.S. economy up to $93 billion by 2030 and, by preventing 730 metric tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere, help decrease asthma attacks, hospital emissions and premature deaths.

A member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, Rep. Schneider is vocal about the need to combat climate change and protect our environment. In May, he called for urgent action on the National Climate Assessment, which detailed the impacts of climate change.

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