The attacks that are building in Congress against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its power to regulate under the Clean Air Act must be stopped. A new EPA report (see link below*), and an analysis of it by NRDC, show huge economic, public health, and environmental benefits of the Clean Air Act; from 1990 to 2020 it will save 4.2 million lives, prevent millions of illnesses, and provide economic benefits in the trillions. The reality of climate disruption makes the Clean Air Act even more critical. EPA regulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is opposed by the industries that are the biggest polluters and their supporters in Congress. Two bills have been introduced: in the House, HR 910, and in the Senate, S 482. If passed, they will permanently block the EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases. They also stymie American job growth, innovation, and competitiveness.
Beyond these bills blocking regulation of CO2, the EPA opponents are attempting to eliminate funding for climate science and monitoring, clean energy research, and high-speed rail. They also aim to block EPA regulation of a wide range of other serious sources of air and water pollution through any legislative means possible.
The Senate and President Obama must stand up for the Clean Air Act, existing climate policies, and clean energy goals. The White House needs to push hard to protect the EPA and the green agenda. A recent national poll shows that Americans support EPA’s Clean Air Act authority by a two to one majority, including the vast majority of independents.
Or Contact President Obama
Contact your Senators and President Obama. Urge them to oppose all efforts to cripple the EPA and undermine the Clean Air and Water Acts. Our health, energy efficiency, and environmental safety are at stake. These programs are not only critical to our future but also highly popular with the American public.
Senators' Contact information:
Telephone: Call the Senate switchboard (202) 224-3121, ask for your Senator's office. Once there, ask for her/his legislative aide on defense issues and leave your message with that aide.
Online: Click here: www.senate.gov, search for your senator, and leave a message.
Write: Senator (first & last name), U.S. Senate, Washington D.C. 20510
President Obama's Contact information:
Telephone: (202) 456-1111
Online: Click here: www.whitehouse.gov
Write: President Obama, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Drive NW, Washington D.C. 20500
*EPA Report: http://www.epa.gov/air/sect812/prospective2.html
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