My name is Sarah Bucci, and I'mthe Campaign Directorwith Environment Virginia, here from Richmond speaking on behalfof myselfand our25,000 members and supporters. In Virginia, the consequences ofglobal warming are clear and present. The recent National Climate Assessment pointed to the impacts we're already feeling from more extreme and severe storms, agricultural troubles to rising seas and storm surging putting our coastal communities at risk. Hampton Roads is the second mostvulnerable region in the national to sea-level rise- something everyone from city and regional planners, the US military operating in the region to local residents can tell you. And increased temperatures also mean more unhealthy air days that risk more asthma attacks and respiratory disease. Scientists are clear that unless we act nowto reduce the pollution fueling global warming- most importantcarbon dioxide- things will only getworse forour children and we won't be able to turn back. We believe the Clean Power Plan is an importantstep and supportthe finalization ofthe strongest possible plan to cut carbon pollution. Power plants are the largest single source of U.S. carbon pollution. While we must move quicklyto limit carbon from all sources, the power plants is our best opportunity in the nearterm to achieve dramatic reductions in carbon. Virginia's power plants contributeto 34.4 percent of its carbon pollution, and the plan would clean up our power plants by 31 percent. EnvironmentVirginia applauds EPA for respondingto the urgent need to protect public health and our children's future by reigning in unlimited carbon pollution. And we are not alone. Over 150,000 public commentsfrom Virginians have been submitted to EPA in support of carbon pollution limitsto date. Over 60 local and state elected officials in Virginia have signed a letter in support ofthe President's Climate Action Plan and over 100 small business owners have endorsed the plan as well. Public opinion polling shows that a majorityofVirginians supportthe EPA taking action to limitcarbon pollution from power plants. So, the people are behind you. And given the scope ofthe problem, and the urgent need to act, we can do even better by harnessingthe power ofclean energy. Virginia, and the utilities operating here, are far behind other neighboring states in developing a clean energy industry. North Carolina has installed 335 MW ofsolar powerwhile Virginia has only about 15-18 MWofsolar, installed mostly by homeowners, colleges, the military, afew towns and businesses. But
we have huge potential to meetand exceed the goals laid out in the proposed Clean Power Plan through energy efficiency, solar power and our offshore wind resource. Ifthe Wind Energy Area offthe coast of Virginia beach were fully developed it could provide clean, pollution-free energyto over 700,000 homes. So can build to afuture where ALL our electricity can come from the wind that blows offour coasts and the sun that shines on our rooftops every day. Our homes could be so efficientthatwith asolar panel on top, they produce more energythan they use. That's afuture that Virginians deserve, and that'sthefuture thatthe Clean Power Plan will move us toward. Thank you foryourtime Sarah Bucci EnvironmentVirginia Campaign Director 1011 EMain St, Suite 205 Richmond, VA 23219 804-716-7032