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7/30/14 Public hearing on Clean Power Plan for Existing Power Plants and the Carbon Pollution Standard for Modified Sources

My name is Juanita Roark and Iam from Atlanta, GA. Iam a motherand grandmother, who is concerned aboutthe impact ofclimate change on my family and all of humanity. Iam here in support ofthe E.P.A.'s plan to limitour existing power plant carbon pollution.
I may have aslightly differentoutlook on climate change than most people in our area. I have already lostone third of my propertyvalue if not more duetothe rising ocean. Itried to plan for retirement, putting mysavings into propertywhich seemed safe. The old saying " They aint making more beach property" had been true, until now. Now one third of my property is considered bythe government as too dangerous to build on. and is being re-surveyed. Unfortunately, there are structures on that land. Also I have no assurance that the remaining twothirds will be considered large enough on which to build a home when I need to retrieve that nest egg, It may have essentially been washed away by climate change. This does not mean that Iam bitter nor blaming. Iam willing to step up and take some responsibility. I'mwilling todo my share ofthe clean up necessarytosave ourspecies. We all learned to clean up our own messes in kindergarten, didn'twe? The paint we spilled in kindergarten didn't have such far reaching effects, but it looks as though we have created quite a large mess this time. One that may endanger our existence on this planet. The planetwill go on quite nicelywithout us but I believe we all agree thatwe would like to stick around and even assure that 7 generations into the future will enjoy our beautiful world. Unfortunately, our US wasteful andsometimes lavish lifestyle is having an effect on people all around theworld. Iam so pleased to see our E. P. A. stepping up to the plate. Since electricity production by coal fired plants is the greatest source ofC02 according toThe Union ofConcerned Scientists, it seems a logical place to startthe reduction ofemissions. I applaud the E.P.A. fortaking the lead in addressing our responsibility.
Ialso believe there is another greenhouse gas that is even more harmful, methane. The unfortunatetruth is that methane is 34 to 86 times more harmful to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, depending ofthe length oftime being considered. When leakage is kept at 1to 3% it is a level that keeps natural gas on parwith coal. Unfortunately, privatetesting shows the leakage as high as 20%. So what we have been told about "clean natural gas" is not so clean nor safe. Even the leakage from the distribution system in our cities is a problem. LA.'s is 

### 17%.
Nuclear power is also not as safe nor economicallyfeasible, as we have been led to believe. We do knowthat coal is not safe forthe atmosphere northewater. We still don't have a clear vision ofthe impact water pollution has on our bodies but this is a good place to start our quest. So what ever ittakes for us to evolve into using renewable energy seem most prudent, however uncomfortable. The fear associated with change is something we all understand. Retraining for a different type of job is daunting but doablewhen we see the alternative. As a nation we have always risen to the challenge when required. We see ourselves as aworld leader, yet Germany and other countriesseem to be leading atthis point.
We think we can adapt but people don't seem to be adapting toowell to the mosquito-borne virus, chikungunya. We arejust started hearing about it in our media in December but 438,075 cases have been reported in Latin America and the Caribbean since then. Yet ourwarmer climate welcomes its spread as well as more super storms like Sandy. All of us here may soon feel its effect in avery physical way. Idon't believe we are insane as Einstein pointed out. We know we can't get adifferentoutcome using the same methods. I trustthat our great grandchildren will inherit adifferent, a more peaceful world. Wars have been fought and are currently being fought overfossil fuels. My vote is for peace forthem and our planet.
Iam so grateful tothe EPA for helping us become more responsible.
And Ithank you for being here and caring.