FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT
Andrew Whelan, CleanAIRE NC, (919) 408-7031, [email protected]
CleanAIRE NC Strongly Supports the EPA’s Proposed Limits on Power Plant Emissions
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We applaud Secretary Regan and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for moving to strengthen climate standards on our nation’s power plants. After decades of delayed action, the proposed rules would accelerate the clean energy transition we need to avert the climate crisis.
The power sector is our second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. We cannot meaningfully address climate change without a fundamental shift in how we produce energy. The EPA’s action would affordably meet this goal by building on the tax credits, subsidies, and resources for utilities provided by the recent bipartisan infrastructure package and Inflation Reduction Act.
The proposed rules would also give consumers better access to clean power and drastically improve public health in our state. Burning fossil fuels emits hazardous air pollutants that are linked with nine of the ten leading causes of death in North Carolina including stroke, respiratory diseases, COVID-19, and heart disease.
Today’s announcement is a significant but necessary step toward achieving President Biden’s pledge to halve U.S. climate emissions by 2030. CleanAIRE NC is committed to this goal, and will continue our work to strengthen North Carolina’s clean energy economy. We urge the EPA to swiftly adopt the proposed rule and set us on the path to a healthy, livable future.
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CleanAIRE NC is a statewide nonprofit organization advocating for the health of all North Carolinians by pursuing equitable and collaborative solutions that address climate change and air pollution. Learn more at www.cleanAIREnc.org
