Rep. Bonamici Applauds EPA’s Historic Proposal to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to cut U.S. carbon-dioxide emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

“The EPA’s proposal represents real action to address what hundreds of leading scientists have identified as a growing threat to the health and safety of our planet. From the growth in cases of respiratory disease to the increased frequency of costly extreme weather events, the effects of carbon pollution are increasingly devastating. Power plants account for about 40 percent of the carbon pollution in the United States, but there are currently no federal regulations limiting carbon emissions from power plants. This proposal will help protect our children and future generations from the harmful ramifications of climate change.

“Setting this ambitious target will encourage companies to develop energy-efficient technologies that cut down on carbon emissions. The action taken today will help continue our shift to renewable resources that will not only protect our environment, but also create new jobs in green energy and technology sectors. Importantly, state and local governments will have flexibility in how they comply with the new guidelines. It’s a positive step forward that will result in new jobs and a healthier planet.”