Getting Personal: Report Back from the Clean Air Hearings

We all understand that carbon pollution from burning fossil fuels—the gasoline in our cars and coal in our power plants—are contributing to global warming. And the public has spoken: We are ready for climate action!

On May 24, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held two publics hearings, in Chicago and Washington, DC, on their proposed standard to limit carbon pollution from new power plants.

For nearly twelve hours, the EPA heard testimony that was overwhelmingly in support of the standard. It was truly inspiring. I was at the hearing in Washington, DC, and testified in support of the draft standard. I was not alone.

More than a hundred people—concerned citizens, scientists, doctors, moms, dads, grandparents, and more—also testified in support. I heard amazing personal stories about why this issue is important and how the American public is ready for climate action. Doctors talked about patients suffering from heat stress, asthma, and other respiratory diseases, and how their suffering will increase with unchecked climate change.

Meanwhile more than 30,000 UCS supporters have submitted supportive comments in writing. And it's not over yet!

The public comment period is open until June 25. Help us reach our goal of 40,000 comments and continue to build this enormous groundswell of support. Demonstrating support for this standard will help ensure we see more climate action soon!

Please take a moment now to submit your comment in support of the EPA's standard to limit carbon pollution from new power plants.

Sincerely,

Chrissy Elles
Outreach Associate
UCS Climate & Energy Program