Good morning, my name is Jonathan Kolm, and I am a resident ofAlexandria, Virginia. Today is
an historic day. The carbon pollution standards that the EPA is proposing have the potential to usher in a multitude ofpositive changes that will be a great benefit to all Americans.
For such important issues like climate change and the impact ofthe use ofcoal 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 ofcoal and other fossil fuels. Until the middle ofthe 20th century, we did not know with scientific and medical certainty that smoking was harmful to our health. Ittook 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 halfthe 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 ofthe dangers ofsmoking. The tobacco industry fought hard against any changes that they knew cut into their profits. But through the hard work and determination ofthose that had the courage to stand up to the tobacco industry, real change has been accomplished. Today less than 20% ofthe 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 ofthe negative health effects that they have, but now we do. The mountaintop removal ofcoal in states like West Virgirua has devastated the water and environment ofmany communities. The mercury and other toxic emissions ofcoal plants is directly linked to death and disease. As we have to drill for oil in more extreme places, the likelihood ofdisasters like the BP GulfofMexico 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 offossil fuels, but there are two additional reasons we must curb the use ofcoal and other fossil fuels. Thefirst 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 ofextreme weather events, from droughts in Texas to floods in the midwest, and more frequent and intense tornadoes and storms. Another product ofclimate change is rising sea levels. At the current level ofincrease, the historic part ofthe 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 ofaJI ofthis. 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 ofthe EPA, as public servants whosejob it is to protect the common good and health ofthe environment and the citizens ofour 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 ofthe 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 ofnew technologies

. Ifwe 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 ofthe 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