Good morning, my name is Jonathan Kolm, and I am a resident of Alexandria, Virginia. Today is 

an historic day. The carbon pollution standards that the EPA is proposing have the potential to 

usher in a multitude of positive changes that will be a great benefit to all Americans. 

For such important issues like climate change and the impact of the use of coal and other fossil 

fuels, I believe it is vitally important to consider relevant precedents in other industries. There is 

one in particular that I believe is worth considering to put into context policy decisions 

concerning the regulation of coal and other fossil fuels. 

Until the middle of the 20th century, we did not know with scientific and medical certainty that 

smoking was harmful to our health. It took longer than it should have, but in 1964 the Surgeon 

General issued a direct, clear warning that smoking was directly attributed to cancer, heart 

disease and emphysema. In that year, almost half the U.S. adult population smoked. Over the 

next couple decades, it took great courage on the part ofwhlstleblowers, scientists, doctors, grass 

roots campaigners and policymakers to confront the tobacco industry. Over time, they were 

successful in raising taxes on tobacco products, and to increase public awareness of the dangers 

of smoking. The tobacco industry fought hard against any changes that they knew cut into their 

profits. But through the hard work and determination of those that had the courage to stand up to 

the tobacco industry, real change has been accomplished. Today less than 20% of the American 

adult population smokes. No one debates any more that smoking is harmful to health. We are a 

better nation today for standing up to the tobacco industry. 

So too has the fossil industry unfolded. When fossil fuel use began, we didn't know all of the 

negative health effects that they have, but now we do. The mountaintop removal of coal in states 

like West Virgirua has devastated the water and environment of many communities. The mercury 

and other toxic emissions of coal plants is directly linked to death and disease. As we have to 

drill for oil in more extreme places, the likelihood of disasters like the BP Gulf of Mexico spill 

increase. Tapping into oil and gas reserves with fracking has already shown that the injeCtion of 

toxic substances can contaminate local water supplies. 

These are among many other documented health risks in the extraction and burning of fossil 

fuels, but there are two additional reasons we must curb the use of coal and other fossil fuels. 

The first reason is climate change. Today there is overwhelming scientific consensus that the 

increase in carbon dioxide in the atmospshere through fossil fuel use is directly linked to climate 

change. Our changing climate has already produced a record number of extreme weather events, 

from droughts in Texas to floods in the midwest, and more frequent and intense tornadoes and 

storms. Another product of climate change is rising sea levels. At the current level of increase, 

the historic part of the city where I live, Old Town Alexandria, will be under water by the end of 

the century. 

The second reason is that fossil fuels are finite, there is only so much coal, oil and gas in the 

ground. As we remain utterly dependent on fossil fuels, we are captive to resource depletion, 
I 

wild price swings that play havoc with the economy and we must make difficuJt geopolitical 

choices in order to secure oil supplies. 

The fossil fuel industry is aware of aJI of this. But like the tobacco industry before them, they 

will fight any change that might mean a cut in their profits. They are simply doing what they are 

legally bound to do, to create a maximum return for their shareholders. You, the members of the 

EPA, as public servants whose job it is to protect the common good and health ofthe 

environment and the citizens of our great nation, it is up to you to take the lead in this struggle. 

The people here today and millions more all over the country are in support of the carbon 

pollution standards. 

I remain optimistic that America can rise to meet the energy and environmental challenges 

before us. We have brilliant scientists, a savvy entrepreneurial class, and many innovators of new 

technologies. If we have the right policies in place, we can invent and create a clean energy 

future that is sustainable, poses less risk to our health and increases our national security. 

America can again be a country that the rest of the world emulates by being a leader in 

renewable energy and clean technology. The proposed carbon pollution standards are a vital 

early step in this effort that we are all in together. 

Thank you for your time. 

Jonathan Kolrn 

jonathankolm@gmail.com