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.