Comments Opposing Scott Pruitt’s Rollback of the Clean Power Plan October 2017 – February 2018 Governors, Attorneys General, and Other State Officials Ted Thomas, Chairman, Arkansas Public Service Commission, NYTimes “Even if they repeal the Clean Power Plan, or replace it with something that doesn’t require us to do very much, you still have to reckon with the fact that ultimately regulations on carbon are coming. So we need to develop options to deal with that other than sticking our heads in the sand and hoping we can just file lawsuits forever. You can either be prepared or unprepared, and that’s a pretty simple choice.” Jerry Brown, Governor of California, Press Release “Scrapping the Clean Power Plan ignores sound science and the extreme cost of climate change. California will, in fact, exceed the goals of the Clean Power Plan. We will push ahead and work with states that share our belief in science and the imperative to combat global warming.” Xavier Becerra, California Attorney General, Press Release “EPA has a legal responsibility to significantly reduce carbon pollution from power plants. This responsibility can only be fulfilled through a strong, effective, and science-based policy like the Clean Power Plan. Repealing it simply won’t cut it. That is why I will do everything in my power to defend the Clean Power Plan.” John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado, NYTimes (see also his statement) “We have dramatically cleaner air and we are saving money. My question to the EPA would be, ‘Which part of that don’t you like?’” Brian Sandoval, Governor of Nevada, Statement “Nevada was well on its way to exceeding the expectations outlined in the Clean Power Plan prior to its inception and will remain on that path. Today’s announcement will not change the state’s approach to ensuring our energy future includes abundant clean and renewable energy choices for Nevada consumers.” Dan Malloy, Governor of Connecticut, Statement “This announcement is another disappointing policy reversal that will harm Americans. The Trump administration continues to ignore the clear and indisputable scientific fact that humans are responsible for climate change and that the ever increasing severe weather we experience is a direct result. If the federal government refuses to act in the best interest of the people of this nation, then it is incumbent upon state and local leaders to act and work to reverse the harm human activity has done to our planet. Connecticut is a leader in addressing global warming and resiliency by increasing deployment of green energy technologies and promoting energy efficiency. Irrespective of what nonsensical energy and environmental policies come out of Washington, our state will hold firm in its commitment to a clean and protected environment.” George Jepsen, Connecticut Attorney General, Press Release "While not unexpected, the EPA administrator's action today is disappointing nonetheless. EPA has a responsibility under the law – a responsibility affirmed by our country's highest court – to regulate carbon emissions. Because the Trump Administration's EPA has clearly demonstrated that it has no interest in doing its job when it comes to carbon emissions, Connecticut will join with colleagues in other states in action to defend the Clean Power Plan and protect the health, safety and well-being of our residents." Maura Healey, Massachusetts Attorney General, Washington Post “Along with our partners, Massachusetts fought for years to put this rule in place, and we will be suing to protect the Clean Power Plan from the climate change deniers in this administration who are trying to move us backwards” Mark Dayton, Governor of Minnesota, Statement “The Trump Administration’s constant assault on our environment will not diminish Minnesotans’ resolve to build a vibrant clean energy economy. We will not allow President Trump to stand in the way, as we do everything in our power to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions that threaten our health and our environment. In the upcoming 2018 Session, I will again urge the Legislature to adopt the ‘50 by 30’ Renewable Energy Standard, which Lt. Governor Smith and legislators from both parties have championed. We must do more to ensure our children and grandchildren inherit a better future, and an even stronger clean energy economy.” Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York, Statement “The Trump Administration's move to dismantle the Clean Power Plan is a reckless decision that gives power plant operators free reign to do what they will without any concern for our climate. It rolls back the progress we have made to reduce carbon emissions and puts industry interests ahead of our ability to reduce damaging emissions. Climate change is a profound threat to our planet, and it cannot be wished away by denial. There is no denial here in New York. While the Trump Administration takes a back a seat to the rest of the world, New York is on track to meet our ambitious target of achieving 50 percent of electricity from renewables by 2030, and we will continue to lead the fight to meet the standards set forth in both the Paris Accord and the Clean Power Plan.” Eric Schneiderman, New York Attorney General, Press Release “I am proud to lead the coalition of states and localities defending the Clean Power Plan in federal court. If and when the Trump Administration finalizes this repeal, I will sue to protect New Yorkers’ and put a stop to the Trump Administration’s irresponsible and illegal efforts to turn back the clock on public health…The Trump Administration's persistent and indefensible denial of climate change — and their continued assault on actions essential to stemming its increasing devastation — is reprehensible, and I will use every available legal tool to fight their dangerous agenda.” Neil Shader, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson, Statement “Governor Wolf and DEP are disappointed in the President’s decision. It ignores science and the country’s global leadership to address climate change. Pennsylvania has made real progress in reducing carbon emissions and DEP will continue to work to find ways to reduce PA’s carbon footprint while ensuring the state remains a net energy exporter.” Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon, Statement "I am deeply disappointed in the repeal of the Clean Power Plan rule. Oregon will not turn its back on the environment or the thousands of jobs that have been created through the clean energy industry. Oregon was the first state in the nation to adopt a coal-to-clean law and will continue to be a leader in clean energy. That’s why we’re stepping up, as the federal government steps down from its leadership role in tackling climate change." Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington, Statement “By repealing the Clean Power Plan, President Trump and his EPA administrator are recklessly removing any meaningful, science-based federal restraint on the carbon pollution that power plants are allowed to pump into our atmosphere. Washington State is already feeling the harmful and costly effects of climate change – in more devastating wildfire seasons, strained water resources, increasingly acidic coastal waters, and more. And we are taking action to respond: at my direction, the Washington State Department of Ecology has implemented the nation’s first Clean Air Rule, to limit carbon pollution from our state’s largest sources. We are investing in new clean energy technologies – fueling jobs and business growth in an area with tremendous economic opportunity. We are partnering with other states – through the bipartisan United States Climate Alliance – to fill the void left by the Trump Administration’s total abdication of American leadership. This action by the EPA is a setback in the struggle against climate change, but it will not and cannot stop Washington State and our determined allies in the fight against this existential threat.” Public Health Associations 17 National Health and Medical Organizations, Joint Press Statement “Today’s proposal to revoke the Clean Power Plan is inconsistent with EPA’s core mission of protecting public health and the environment. The Clean Power Plan, adopted in 2015, would have substantially reduced carbon pollution and other emissions from power plants, and prevented an estimated 90,000 pediatric asthma attacks and 3,600 premature deaths each year once fully implemented. Revoking this lifesaving plan denies Americans these health protections and removes crucial tools to reduce pollution that causes climate change.” Paul Billings, Senior VP for Advocacy at the American Lung Association. E&E News "EPA is cooking the books and cherry-picking data to avoid showing the true health costs of air pollution." Katie Huffling, Executive Director, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, Press Release “As nurses concerned about the public health impacts resulting from poor air quality and a changing climate, we are deeply disappointed about the decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan. Administrator Pruitt stated that the EPA should not be picking winners and losers, but by his announcement today it is clear that by repealing the Clean Power Plan public health is the loser.” U.S. Senators Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California, Press Release “President Trump’s decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan, announced by President Obama in 2015, ignores the reality happening all around us.” Sen. Kamala Harris, California, Twitter “This decision fails Americans for generations to come.” Sen. Michael Bennett, Colorado, Twitter “Clean Power Plan repeal would be another @POTUS action to roll back protections for America’s children. Wrong priorities.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut, Twitter “I’ll use every tool at my disposal to protect #CleanPowerPlan and resist the Trump admin's dangerous denial of climate science.” Sen. Tom Carper, Delaware, Press Release “The Clean Power Plan was a historic step to reduce carbon pollution by building on the common sense actions that states, cities, businesses and utilities across the country are already undertaking.