Kitzhaber applauds Obama move to cut pollution
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber on Monday applauded theObama administration’s new proposal to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants, calling it awelcome sign that the federal government is stepping up in the fightagainst climate change.
The Environmental Protection Agency will administer the new rule under Section 111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act.
“PresidentObama and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy areto be congratulated for accelerating a national response to the costs and risksofclimate change,” said Kitzhaber.
“Oregon isalready experiencing the impacts of climate change, fromocean acidification and dead zones offshore to rampant wildfires last summer that cost more than $120 million.This bold step will protect the health of citizens across the country while supporting the growing energy efficiency and renewable energyeconomy on the West Coast.”
The governor praised the proposal’s emphasis on giving states flexibility to build on programsand partnerships that are alreadyprotecting public health, saving consumers money, and spurring innovation incleaner, safer energy.
“I am particularly pleased tosee the administration recognize the important role of regional partnerships, such as the Pacific Coast Collaborative, inmeeting the objectives of this new effortto curb carbon pollution,” he said.
Last year, Oregon joined with Washington, California, and British Columbia to sign the Pacific Coast Collaborative Plan on Climate and Energy, which aligns regional carbon reduction policies while supporting the growth of clean energy.
The Obama administration announcement comes just over a week after EPA Administrator McCarthy met with Kitzhaber and other elected officials at a roundtable in Portland.
At the meeting, the governor discussed state and local efforts to develop strategies to conserveenergy, improveappliance standards, and promote renewable energy.
In thelast year, Oregon has passedlegislation supporting the state’s 10-Year EnergyAction Plan and moved to fully implement theClean Fuels Program, which reducesthe carbon content of transportation fuels.
Related Link:
PacificCoast Action Plan on Climate and Energy
