# Testimony for Pittsburg EPA Hearing on

The Clean Power Plan: July 31, 2014

Paul Severance 326 N 15 th

Avenue Beech Grove, IN 46107 

### pseverancel@mac.com 317-788-7795 My name is Paul Severance. I live in Beech Grove, Indiana. Today is my 75th birthday. I am the co-chair of the Environmental Legacy Team at the Conscious Elders Network, a new national organization of elders which was born when 50 elders from all over the nation met this past April in San Francisco to talk about the purpose of our elder years, and the vital importance of the legacy we create for future generations. I have been deeply concerned about climate change for several years, and because of that, I joined former Vice President Al Gore's Climate Leadership Corps.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak on a proposed regulation which may prove to be of enormous significance for future generations.

I absolutely believe that we stand at what may prove to be a historic juncture. Our present course of tearing carbon liftiout of the earth as fast as possible, and spewing it into the atmosphere, has us at risk of triggering feedback loops which could well accelerate climate change to the level at which we would no longer have a chance of preserving a planet that is consistent with human life thriving.

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### Testimony for Pittsburg EPA Hearing: July 31, 2014

Paul Severance, Page 2

While this is obviously a worldwide problem, the United States has a very special responsibility. For decades, we have been the world's largest source of carbon pollution. And despite being the world's largest economy and the world's dominant superpower, we have dragged our feet when it comes to facing the crisis we are bringing down upon future generations of humans.

Today, many scientists are telling us that the window of opportunity open to us to make the changes necessary to avoid catastrophe is getting smaller and smaller.

So I stand here with great gratitude to President Obama, Administrator McCarthy, and the whole team at EPA which worked on this proposal. In the midst of shameful Congressional inaction, you have produced a truly significant step toward major reductions in CO2 emissions. It's certainly not the whole answer, but it is an essential start. In concert with higher fuel efficiency standards, and the standard for new power plants, this regulation provides the first real hope of diverting our road to disaster. And the impacts of this regulation will be felt far beyond the United States. Having finally taken significant action ourselves, we will be in a position to exert our economic and moral leadership to push for real worldwide commitments while we still have time.

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# Testimony for Pittsburg EPA Hearing on

The Clean Power Plan: July 31, 2014

Now for the huge question about this proposed regulation: Is it enough? I wonder if it is possible that this regulation could be made stronger, by identifying more possible reductions from use of clean energy technologies, and upping the ante. Does this proposed regulation do everything possible to turn us away from the precipice? I don't know that anyone can answer that question with confidence. Someday later this century, people will look back at this time and say we rose to the occasion and took the steps to prevent catastrophe . . . or we didn't do enough.

What I ask of EPA is this: Take a hard look at strengthening this regulation even further. Don't miss the opportunity to do everything you possibly can to give our great grandchildren and their children a chance for a decent life. At the same time, do not jeopardize this vitally important regulation. This could very well be a pivotal point in human history. You have a unique opportunity to make a historic difference in the world. Do the absolute best you can do for future generations. Thank you for your dedication and courage.

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