Beth Wallace Community Outreach Regional Coordinator National Wildlife Federation, Great Lakes Regional Center wallaceb(iilnwf.org 734.887.7134

2012 EPA Public Hearing onProposed Carbon Pollution Standardfor Future Power Plants. Good Morning and thank you for the opportunityto speakwith you today. My name is BethWallace. I am Community Outreach Regional Coordinator with the National Wildlife Federation andI workon conservation issues that impact our Great Lake states. I am also proud to say that I amnew momto a 5 month little boy named Regan. Being a momis the best feeling in the world. However

- as a new mom, I'm faced with so many new fears. I worry about pesticides on the fruit and vegetables we might eat. I worry about how clean the water we're drinking truly is and ofcourse, one ofmybiggest fears (and something I have little control over) is ensuringthe air that we breathe is safe. I also worry about the future ofourresources and wildlife and howRegan will experience the great outdoors as he grows up. I fear that ifwe keep on this path, he might notbe able to spend summers along our Great Lakes due to the beaches closings or he won't be able to take a weekend fishing trip with his dad, where he canactually enjoy eatingthe catch? Ltl<;<nllro ll"d carho_IlJl<>lllliion that causes climate change, toxic mercury emissions, and numerous other air toxins still pose a serious threat to people and wildlife. Power plants are the nation's single largest source ofclimate change-causing air pollution, pumpingroughly 2.4 billion tons ofcarbon dioxide into the air each year. Currently, there are no limits on the amount ofcarbon pollution that canbe released from power plant smokestacks andthis air pollutionresults inhigher average temperatures, extreme weather, and serious impacts onpublic health and wildlife. Scientist predict that ifthe temperatures increase as much as forecast, we could lose as many as 40 percent ofthe species on the planet. But the fact is fish and wildlife are alreadybeing affected bythe small increase in temperature we've already had. Safeguarding our naturalresources is important to those ofus who want our children to grow up being able to fish and spend time outdoors, butit is also a wise investment in our economic future. Reducing industrial carbon pollutionwill help protect our long standinginvestment in our outdoor heritage. Michigan's wildlife and natural resources are the backbone ofour $5 billionrecreational tourismeconomy. The Great Lakes are a national treasure.Itis misleadingto say that enforcement ofour nation's environmental laws is badfor the economy and employment. Itisn't. We should never have to choose between a job and a healthy environment. WE are entitled to both. Americans are no less entitled to a safe, clean environment during difficult economic times thanthey are in a more prosperous economy. Taking action to reduce carbon pollutionand confront our climate crisis is essential to safeguard our wildlife and outdoor heritage. By utilizing our environmental laws we can help rid the air and water ofharmful pollutants and restore the health ofour eco-systems. We strongly urge the EPA and Congress to move forward and finalize Carbon Pollution Standards insuring a healthy outdoor legacy for my son and future generations. Now and in the future, the EPA and other federal and state environmental laws canhelp ensure that the legacy we leave our childrenis a clean and healthy planet. Cheers!