## LEAG 

## E OF CONSERVATION VOTERS
My name is Sara Chieffo. Iam here to encourage the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize this year its proposal to placethe first national limits on industrial carbon pollution from power plants. Iam here today as a concerned citizen, an asthma sufferer, and as the Legislative Directorforthe League ofConservation Voters. LCV's mission is to turn environmental values into national priorities. LCV's members are spread throughoutthe country and we work in close partnership with a network ofover 30 state-based leagues ofconservation voters. LCV was founded in 

### 1970- the same yearthat Republican President Richard Nixon created the EPA and signed the landmark Clean AirAct into law. As an asthma-sufferer, whose attacks are worst on smog-filled, hotsummer days, this proposal means a great deal to me personally. I live here in the nation's capital and we have some ofthe worst air quality in the country. Doctors, nurses, scientists and other experts warn us that carbon pollution threatens public health, and is especially damagingto vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. This is because climate change's rising temperatures are likelyto make smog pollution worse, trigger"1ng asthma attacks and even permanently damaging children's developing lungs. Consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision, the EPA, in 

### 2009, formally recognized these and other health threats posed by climate change in its determination that global warming pollution threatens human health and the environment. Power plants are the largest source ofcarbon pollution in the United States. Right now,these polluters are free to dump an unlimited amount ofcarbon pollution into our air. EPA's proposal would, forthe first time, impose national limits on the amount ofcarbon pollution power plants built in the future can emit. These limitstranslate intoa roughly 60% reduction in carbon pollution when compared totoday's coal-fired power plants. The EPA's proposal is a commonsense measure that will protect public health, spur innovation in clean technologies, and start us down the path ofstopping unabated global warming. It will help ensurethe current markettrends toward acleaner, safer, and more modern power sector continue. Cleaning up and modernizing the power sector will also create much-neededjobs. This proposal is not without precedent- many states have taken similar steps. This standard also builds on the successful actions that the EPA, in partnership with the Department of Transportation has taken to reduce carbon pollution from the nation'sfleet ofcars. Iam honored to be part ofthe over 1.4 million positive commentsthat have already been submitted to the EPA in support ofthis public safeguard. With over a month yet to go in the

1920 LStreet NW, Suite800 • Washington, DC 20036 • 202-785-8683 • Fax: 202-835-0491 lcv@lcv.org• www.lcv.org

## LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS

public comment period, thistotal already represents the highest number ofcommentsthe EPA has ever received. In closing, let me reiterate mysupportforthis proposal and encouragethe EPA to finalize a strong carbon pollution rule this year. Thankyou forthis opportunitytotestify.



### Contactinformation: Sora Chieffo Legislative Director League ofConservation Voters sara chieffo@lcv.org 202-785-8683

1920 LStreet NW, Suite 800 • Washington, DC 20036 • 202-78S-8683 • Fax: 202-83S-0491 lcv@lcv.org • www.lcv.org