EPA Holds Hearings Nationwide This Week!

​The EPA is listening!

When dealing with slow moving machines like the federal government, it sometimes feels like individuals only have a voice every few years when electing our congress and president. Well now’s the time to get personally involved in the way our government talks about climate, carbon, and what Americans think about it.  The EPA is holding large public hearings this week in Atlanta, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C. to engage the public in discussions on their Clean Power Plan. Also known as 111D, this is a collection of proposed rules for new and existing energy generation that will greatly impact the way our power plant’s deep carbon footprints contribute to climate change. The rule is a big push to make states responsible for their climate impact, as the U.S. electric power sector is the source of 32% of nationwide greenhouse gas emissions.  Hundreds of people are expected to attend these hearings, and the EPA expects to hear from more than 1,600 people by the end of the week through the hearings. The public comment period ends in October, and until then, anyone may add their thoughts to the record through the EPA’s website,  letters, emails,  and even faxes. That’s right, FAXES!

While most of Louisiana’s energy is generated with natural gas, we currently get about 12% of our energy from carbon belching coal, and the Alliance believes we can do better. Using efficiency measures and adding renewables to the mix will make a big difference in state emissions.  As for insisting the rest of our nation cleans up it’s act, we fully support the EPA’s proposals. After all, Louisiana and the gulf coast are the most vulnerable areas to the sea level rise that is a direct result of climate change. Our history and our future depend on it.  We know Louisiana can thrive under these new rules, which will give us cleaner air, better health, and help save our coastline.
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Learn more about the proposed rules directly from the EPA HERE.  Make your voice heard HERE.