EPA Testimony — New Source Carbon Pollution Limits

Samantha Lockhart, National Wildlife Federation

2.6.14

Hello, my name is Sam Lockhart and I work as the National Outreach Coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation. However, today I am here speaking as a citizen in support of the EPA's proposed new source carbon pollution standard.

I am third generation New Jerseyan on my father's side. That means that I grew up going to the Jersey shore — just like my father before me and his father before him — and I have always assumed that when I had children, I would take them to the Jersey shore too. After Superstorm Sandy, I no longer know if that is true — and it has brought home to me the urgent need to develop serious strategies to address the underlying pollution that is at the heart of our climate crisis.

And New Jersey is just the tip of the iceberg — no pun intended. Across the world we are seeing increased drought, wildfires, and floods. We are seeing unanticipated impacts to all kinds of wildlife — from birds and fish to big game species like deer, moose and bison. Climate change is the biggest threat to wildlife in the world. Here in the US, we have a strong tradition of spending time outside in this country's special places where families like to fish, hunt, hike and observe birds and other wildlife.Though my family traditions on the Jersey shore may seem a bit different (more skiball and sandcastles than duck hunting), we all stand to lose when it comes to climate change.

I am also a young person — that means, I care a lot about what the future of our country looks like. What kinds of jobs will be available for my kids and grandkids? Will we continue to invest largely in industries that are poisoning communities and destroying our planet, or will we take seriously our common moral responsibility to invest in energy sources that are sustainable? Already, renewable energy is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy, and I know that this rule will further spur that growth and push our country towards the future that we need.

Most people of my generation, commonly known as "Millenials," have stopped believing in government as a force of good. Frustrated by a Congress all-too focused on denial and delay and dismayed by the undue influence of big corporate polluters in our democracy, many of my generation have all but given up. Well, I am proud today to see my government taking action to stand up for our health, our communities and our environment. I am hopeful that actions like this, and the existing source carbon standard on which the EPA held listening sessions this fall, will restore my generation's faith in our government and our country and attract some of the most talented and innovative among "Millenials" to make the choice to work toward our common good.

So, finally, I want to say Thank You. Thank you in advance to all of our champions in Congress that will allow the EPA to do its job of protecting our environment and stand up to challenges from climate denying, extremists that are in the pockets of big corporate polluters. Thank you for moving towards finalizing this rule — and thank you for everyone who came here today to share your voice in support of this exciting new step for our country.