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As a graduate student, I study internationaljevelopment and have learned about the 

negative impacts of climate change on a global scale, which has not only opened my eyes 

to what people are experiencing in the far corners of the world, but I've had the chance to 

develop a deeper understanding of how climate change is effecting our country. As a 

West Virginian, I grew up in a state exploited for its rich coal reserves where the 

government imposed loose regulations for profit in exchange for the safety of the people. 

Coal is one of the major fossil fuels burned in power plants, which account for 40 percent 

of carbon pollution in the U.S. As a mother, I have struggled with the thought ofleaving 

my son the legacy of a volatile world due to climate change. This has caused me great 

grief and has even made me feel existentially depressed. But I realize there is still a fight, 

and my son has given me the strength and purpose to stand before you all today. More 

directly, I would like to ensure that Nico has clean air to breathe. 

The consensus is that the most effective means of mitigating climate change is to reduce 

carbon emissions. As most of us know, carbon pollution increases climate disruption, 

causing more frequent and severe weather that jeopardizes communities, incurring costs 

to the federal government and the economy as well as threatening public health. 

Reducing carbon emissions is the most urgent agenda item for both the health of our 

citizens, but also for the safety of planet earth. 

Cutting carbon pollution from power plants will also enable innovation of clean energy 

sources, which will grow the economy and create jobs. I read a quote recently by Robert 

Rubin, the co-chair ofthe Council on Foreign Relations and the former U.S. Treasury 

secretary. He said, "We do not face a choice between protecting our environment or 

protecting our economy. We face a choice between protecting our economy by protecting 

our environment-or allowing environmental havoc to create economic havoc." I 

wholeheartedly agree with this statement. I also believe that the Clean Power Plan is a 

huge step in the right direction to supporting the emerging green economy. 

The carbon rules are part of Obama' s climate action plan. This could be the most 

impactful climate policy in the nation to date. The Clean Power Plan also recognizes that 

each state is different and gives states flexibility to adapt the policy to their unique 

conditions and economic environment. The Plan will simultaneously reduce carbon 

emissions and help to create cleaner air for our children to breathe. 

I attend Gallaudet University and work with the Deaf community. My work involves 

inclusion of people with disabilities and impoverished communities in development and 

economic initiatives. I am standing here today to represent those people who do not have 

a voice and do not have the opportunity to come here and speak before the Council. I 

represent rural America, places like West Virginia where the health of the people is 

constantly compromised by power plant pollution. I come to represent my son and all of 

the children who will be impacted in years to come by the possibility of passing the Clean 

Power Plan.