Carper Statement on the Trump Administration’s Repeal of the Clean Power Plan

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement that it will repeal the Clean Power Plan.

“The Clean Power Plan was a historic step to reduce carbon pollution by building on the common sense actions that states, cities, businesses and utilities across the country are already undertaking. It is a flexible, thoughtful and scientific approach that required real vison and leadership.

“Today, President Trump and Mr. Pruitt are on the wrong side of history. They are not just ignoring clear facts. They are creating their own reality, complete with rigged science and math, to justify doing nothing in the face of the greatest environmental challenge of our lifetime. That is not leadership.

“The one and only time Mr. Pruitt testified before this committee, he acknowledged that the EPA is legally obligated, under the Clean Air Act, to protect the public from carbon dioxide pollution. Over six months ago, I asked Mr. Pruitt how his agency planned to fulfill that obligation without the Clean Power Plan. Today, I finally got an answer: He has no plan.

“We’ve seen what happens when Republicans in the Trump era try to repeal and sabotage critical policies like the Affordable Care Act simply to fulfill campaign promises and score political points. The American people are paying attention, and they do not want to see the progress we have made on the climate front undone. Repealing the Clean Power Plan isn’t just a talking point. It will have serious consequences for the health of the public and our planet, and the American people deserves actual answers.”

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