Hoyer: Clean Power Plan Represents Significant Step Toward Cleaner Air, Healthier Chesapeake Bay
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after the Obama Administration announced the Clean Power Plan to reduce power plant carbon emissions:
“From deadly storms and rising temperatures to increased rates of asthma and other health threats, climate change is having a real and significant impact here in Maryland and throughout the country. Addressing climate change is not only critical to our environment, including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, but it’s also important to strengthening our economy and improving public health.
“In Maryland, we’ve already taken a number of steps to reduce carbon emissions from power plants and between 2008 and 2011, our state decreased emissions by over 20 percent. Additionally, we’ve invested in over 1,500 renewable energy projects in our state, enough energy to power nearly 50,000 homes. However, we still have much more work to do to reduce carbon emissions and protect our environment for generations to come.
“By cutting power plant emissions by 30 percent and reducing smog and soot pollutants by 25% by 2030, while providing flexibility to states, the Clean Power Plan represents a significant step toward cleaner air and a healthier Chesapeake Bay for Marylanders. I’m pleased the Obama Administration is taking significant action to address the harmful effects of climate change, and I look forward to working with federal, state, and local stakeholders to ensure Maryland meets its goal to reduce carbon pollution while ensuring affordable, reliable energy, improving public health, spurring innovation through clean energy technology, and supporting job creation.”