EPA's Clean Power Plan proposal is a powerful step in the right direction. High carbon dioxide levels in 

our atmosphere are driving climate change, increasing the acidity of our oceans, causing polar ice melt, 

increasing ocean levels and disrupting fragile ecosystems. Power plants cause about 40% of America's 

carbon pollution. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and stopping methane escapes 

from natural gas drilling are crucial to the fight against climate change. 

A recent study led by Harvard and Syracuse Universities found that reducing power plant emissions will 

also reduce associated dangerous chemicals such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates & mercury 

which contribute to dangerous acid rain, destruction of habitat, mercury in fisb, ozone damage to trees and 

crops, & threaten our health with increased incidents of asthma & heart disease. Reducing power plant 

emissions will improve the health of our children, parents and ourselves. 

Some politicians deny or ignore these facts for the benefit of their friends in the pollution business. The 

American Lung Association estimates that up to I 00,000 asthma attacks and 4,000 premature deaths will 

be avoided in the lirst year the Clean Power Plan regulations are put into effect. Now is not the time to 

deny scientific fuels. Pollution is cutting peoples lives short and making them sick. 

This fight for clean air is not only a fight to protect our communities, environment and our health but it is 

also a battle to determine who controls our country. Every time regulations are proposed that would clean 

up the air, water and land, powerful businesses interests with deep pockets oppose them. Will the basic 

rights of citizens to breathe clean air, drink clean water and enjoy democratic representation be recognized 

or will the interests of the big energy corporations prevail? Americans need our government to work for 

us, to protect our health, our communities, our children and grandchildren, and our future. Companies who 

use their influence to block environmental protection regulations have no moral compass. Their purpose is 

to rake in the biggest profits while spending the least amount on pollution control. They spew pollutants 

into our air and water and let taxpayers foot the bill for the clean up and patients pay the health cost in 

staggering medical bills, pain, suffering and heart-wrenching loss. The human element can not be ignored 

in this decision. 

Our future depends upon successfully reversing climate change. Stiffer regulations to control power plant 

emissions is the first step. But we also need to be proactive as a country and embrace clean energy 

technology such as solar, wind and hydroelectric. While natural gas is seen as a bridge fuel by the Obama 

Administration, in a state horribly wrecked by hydraulic fracturing, Pennsylvanians know it is not the 

answer. Methane escapes from narural gas drilling have a significantly greater global warming potential in 

the short term than C02, according to NASA. We need to begin NOW to subsidize clean renewable energy 

and unleash our scientists to devise a plan to address climate change.