Rep. Waxman, Former Kentucky Coal Miner, Hispanic Community Leader Echo Millions of Americans in Supporting Sensible Carbon Pollution Standards

U.S. Representative Henry A. Waxman, a long-time climate champion, joined Nick Mullins, a fourth generation former Kentucky coal miner, and National Hispanic Medical Association President and CEO Dr. Elena Rios outside the EPA Headquarters in Washington today, to highlight the impacts of carbon pollution and the overwhelming support for strong carbon pollution standards for new power plants.

“Setting strong limits on the amount of carbon pollution power plants can dump into our air is the most significant step we can take to combat climate change,” Rep. Waxman said. “This is a matter of public health and safety. Yesterday, a major drugstore announced it would stop selling cigarettes because of the harm to our health. Well, we know the carbon pollution from power plants is the main cause of climate change, which isn’t just putting our health at risk, it is fueling extreme weather events like drought in California. It is time to stop dumping unlimited amounts of carbon pollution into our air.”

While the impacts of carbon pollution and climate change affect many communities across the country, coal communities are often the hardest hit. Nick Mullins, a former coal miner, moved away from his Southwestern Virginia home as a result of the health effects associated with pollution, choosing the health of his children over his family home.

“By limiting carbon emissions from power plants, we are taking steps towards a transformative future,” Mullins said. “Though many will find themselves fearing, and even resisting change, we need to realize that smart policies designed to protect public health and spur innovation are absolutely necessary. By creating a more energy efficient, carbon-conscious economy, we are also creating new jobs for thousands of skilled workers who can install equipment, upgrade infrastructure, and build a better, cleaner future for our children.”

Four million Americans have spoken up in support of carbon pollution standards for new power plants and last month, the EPA published the carbon pollution standard for new power plants in the Federal Register. The standard will ensure that future power plants are no longer allowed to dump unlimited amounts of carbon pollution into our air. Carbon pollution is the main cause of climate change, leading to increased health risk and fueling deadly, costly extreme weather events. 

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Beyond Coal
Climate
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Campaign Name:
Beyond Coal