Activists Testify and Rally at Clean Power Plan Hearings at EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

On July 29, twenty seven activists traveled by bus to Washington DC to support the Clean Power Plan rules, and to suggest that the EPA make the regulations even stronger. This rule proposes to regulate carbon pollution from existing power plants. Among the group were seven vets from the Veterans Multiservice Center. Seven activists that traveled with the group testified at the hearing, and everyone attended an energetic rally outside the EPA headquarters. Ben & Jerry's provided free ice cream all day, and bicyclists towed trailers carrying signs calling for "Clean Air Now." A children's brigade organized by Mom's Clean Air Force submitted a banner full of handprints to a surprised EPA officer. The testimonials in favor of curbing carbon far outnumbered those opposed (117 to 13 were tallied up to a break in the proceedings prior to our departure). Public hearings were held in four US cities, and a comment period will remain open until Oct. 16. We encourage you to submit your comments prior to the end of the comment period, after which the EPA will finalize the rule.

Our activists are testifying in the Pittsburgh hearings also

@SierraClubPA member Sue Edwards speaking eloquently on our need to #ActOnClimate @sierraclub pic.twitter.com/VFe4hpBIqi

— Joanne (@joannesaurusrex) July 31, 2014

@SierraClubPA mbr Karen Melton wants us to confront the opposing talking points head-on as we #ActOnClimate pic.twitter.com/DMjmMc1rhp

— Joanne (@joannesaurusrex) July 31, 2014

Clean Power Plan

The Clean Power Plan proposes to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. EPA's plan is a commonsense, flexible approach to protect public health, spur innovation, and create jobs under the President's Climate Action Plan. 

Some Background Info

The plan - http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards

Public Hearings - http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards/forms/public-hearings-clean-power-plan-proposed-rule

Sierra Club organized bus to DC for rally and hearings - http://sierrabus2dc.eventbrite.com

Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions From Existing Power Plants:
Options to Ensure Electric System Reliability – Analysis Group

This paper addresses whether EPA’s actions to regulate GHG emissions from existing power plants will give rise to electric system reliability problems and explains why it will not.

Climate Change and Your Health – Union of Concerned Scientists

Climate change has significant implications for our health. Rising temperatures will likely lead to more frequent and severe heat waves, heavier rainstorms and flooding, and increased air pollution. All of these changes could pose serious, and costly, risks to public health.

The Climate Change and Your Health initiative is a UCS effort designed to highlight some of the major health risks associated with climate change in the United States and attempt to quantify their impacts. We also include information to help your family, your community, and our country prepare for—and try to mitigate—the growing health risks of a warming world.