FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 2, 2014
Contact:
Karen Monahan, karen.monahan@sierraclub.org, 612-259-2451
Alison Flowers, alison.flowers@sierraclub.org, 303-246-6297
Sierra Club Applauds Plan to Curb Carbon Pollution
CITY, STATE — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposal for the first-ever national protections from dangerous carbon pollution from existing power plants. Carbon pollution causes climate disruption, costing Minnesota families $969,712,360 in 2011 and 2012 alone.
This new standard, which is part of the President’s Climate Action Plan, will clean up the industries that create the lion’s share of carbon pollution in our country and in Minnesota, where Xcel Energy’s Sherco plant remains the largest carbon and soot polluter in the state. The new protections will also help reduce other life-threatening air pollution including mercury, soot, and smog. In response, the Sierra Club North Star Chapter’s Beyond Coal and Environmental Justice campaigns released this video calling for a strong and just carbon rule.
Michelle Rosier, campaign and organizing manager for the Sierra Club, also issued the following statement:
“Today, we applaud President Obama and the EPA for their move to clean up our air, improve the health of our children, and curb the worst effects of climate disruption. These life-saving protections could not come at a more critical time. Climate disruption has already cost Minnesota families more than $969 million in 2011 and 2012 alone.
“Action on climate disruption not only protects our health and communities, but will also spur innovation and strengthen our economy. Minnesotahas been on a path beyond coal to clean energy for a decade, and our state has demonstrated success in reducing carbon while growing a strong economy. These carbon protections are an opportunity to continue to grow our renewable energy economy.
“We now look forward to working with Governor Dayton and all Minnesotans to create a strong and just state implementation plan to protect all Minnesota families from harmful air pollution. We urge Governor Dayton to be the leader we know he is for clean air and healthy children.”
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Sierra Club North Star Chapter Releases 