PHI Statement on President’s Clean Power Plan: A “big step toward a clean energy future”

Statement from Dr. Linda Rudolph, Director of the Public Health Institute’s Center for Climate Change and Health

“The Public Health Institute and its Center for Climate Change and Health join health professionals and health organizations around the country in applauding President Obama’s and the Environmental Protection Agency’s big step toward a clean energy future with the release of the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan is the first ever rule to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants—the largest source of carbon emissions in the U.S. and a critical contributor to climate change.”

“Climate change is the greatest health challenge of this century. Its effects are already being felt across the nation, as Americans are experiencing droughts, wildfires, and increased health impacts of pollen, heat, and air pollution. Children, the elderly, those with chronic disease, low-income communities and communities of color are most at risk. Climate action is not just urgent and critical—it is overdue.”

“The Clean Power Plan saves both money and lives. The significant reductions in co-pollutants from power plants could reduce premature deaths by as much as 90% by 2030. And the average American household will save nearly eighty-five dollars a year on their energy bill, freeing up billions of dollars for families to invest in their children and communities.”

“We thank the President and the EPA for issuing a strong Clean Power Plan. Now it’s up to the states to show the same courage and vision. They must implement this critically important health measure quickly and efficiently, and ensure that all communities reap the full benefits of a transition to clean energy.”