Moran Statement on One Year Anniversary of President Obama's Climate Action Plan

Statement

Congressman Jim Moran, Northern Virginia Democrat and Ranking Member on the Interior and Environment Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement on the one year anniversary of President Obama's "Climate Action Plan' to reduce carbon pollution and prepare for the impacts of climate change:

"One year ago I sat in the audience as President Obama unveiled his "Climate Action Plan' to fight global climate change. The President's proposal is a game changer that will limit carbon emissions, deploy clean and renewable energy development on public lands, build a 21st century transportation sector less reliant on fossil fuels, and cut energy waste in our homes and businesses.

"You only have to look to Alexandria and the resurgence along its waterfront to see the effects of reduced levels of carbon and other pollutants. The President's plan will make it easier for communities across the U.S. to follow in our footsteps for safer, cleaner energy sources. It will further provide the investments we need for newer, more sustainable sources of energy, resulting in a more efficient and productive economy, and cleaner environment."

"Congress cannot continue delaying action on climate change. This "head in the sand' approach only makes the consequences to our financial and physical health that much worse. The rest of the world so often turns to the United States to be a leader in many areas, we need to lead on environmental protection."

When fully implemented, the President's Climate Action Plan will:

Cut nearly 3 billion tons of carbon pollution from 2020 to 2025

Enable the development of 8,100 megawatts of renewable energy

Train more than 50,000 workers to enter the solar industry

Save consumers more than $60 billion on their energy bills

Improve the energy efficiency of more than 1 billion square feet of public buildings and businesses across the country

Protect vulnerable Americans from 150,000 asthma attacks and almost 3,300 heart attacks

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