Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s proposed repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan. The comment period for the Clean Power Plan repeal is open, and Delawareans wishing to share their concerns can do so on the EPA’s website.

“I stand in firm opposition to repealing the Clean Power Plan, which was an important step our country took in combating climate change by reducing carbon pollution from power plants. Looking back at 2017, we can see the impacts of extreme weather events have only increased. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria demonstrate the exorbitant costs of inaction not just for our economy, but for our people. According to a recent NOAA study, hurricanes, wildfires, and other events caused $306 billion worth of damage in the U.S. this past year alone, and parts of Puerto Rico are still without power.”

“When introduced by the Obama Administration in 2014, it was estimated that the Clean Power plan would prevent 300,000 missed school and work days, 90,000 childhood asthma attacks, and 3,600 premature deaths annually by 2030.”

“The EPA took into account diverse viewpoints from the energy industry, environmental groups, business leaders, and community groups. The final policy represents compromise, rigorous science, and our shared values. We should continue to build upon that foundation rather than taking a giant step backwards.”

“On a local level, each county in low-lying Delaware sees the harmful effects of climate change every single day. Delaware knows that taking meaningful action will be crucial for our health, environment, and national security. Under the strong leadership of Governor John Carney, we are taking important steps on environmental and energy issues. However, these problems will require cooperation at the national level to develop the transformational change we need.”

“We’ve seen those in the business community support the Clean Power Plan because they see the long-term benefits. Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Google all filed briefs supportive of the plan to the Supreme Court, explaining that it would enhance our competitiveness and increase job growth. As I have traveled throughout the state, I have heard from businesses, farmers, neighbors, and local officials who might not agree on many other issues but still stand in agreement about the impacts of climate change in our community. I am confident that we can protect the future of Delaware’s children, we can defend our state’s treasured natural assets, we can expand our global competitiveness, and we can ensure we are creating more of the jobs of tomorrow by keeping the Clean Power Plan in place. We are at a crucial inflection point as we transition to clean energy, and I intend to do everything I can to guarantee our country is leading the way for the future.”

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