At the first public hearing today on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed finding that carbon dioxide and other global warming pollutants threaten public health and welfare, citizens, scientists, clean energy entrepreneurs, and many others urged EPA to act quickly on clean energy and global warming. The hearing was held in Arlington, Virginia - just outside of Washington, DC.
"The message today is that the public overwhelmingly supports President Obama's effort to lead America into a new energy era, one in which we move away from the polluting energy sources of the past and towards the clean energy technologies of today," said Jake Horowitz on behalf of Environment Arizona. "It is time to unleash the power of clean energy to protect our environment, transform our economy, and a build a sustainable future," Horowitz continued.
Two years ago, the Supreme Court ordered the EPA to determine if global warming pollution threatens public health or welfare - a conclusion supported by a worldwide scientific consensus. Last month, the EPA released a proposed finding that carbon dioxide and five other global warming pollutants threaten both public health and welfare. Finalizing the decision will set the stage for the agency to reduce global warming pollution from cars, power plants, and other large pollution sources under the Clean Air Act. These reductions will help will drive the creation of a clean energy economy and protect the planet.
"This energy transformation also will make us more secure and put millions of Americans to work in new clean energy jobs - building wind turbines, installing solar panels, weatherizing homes, and laying a smarter electric grid that will power our new energy economy," said Horowitz.
A second public hearing will be held in Seattle on May 21st, 2009. Speaking slots at both hearings are completely filled, but EPA has promised not to turn away anyone that is willing to wait to speak. Citizens can continue to submit written comments through June 23rd, 2009.
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