Jayapal Statement on Trump Administration’s Move to Scrap the Clean Power Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s repeal of the Clean Power Plan:

“The Trump administration continues to push our planet down a path of destruction. The southeastern United States is getting pummeled by hurricanes while the West is experiencing fatal wildfires that continue to burn. Climate change is creating refugees, claiming lives and costing taxpayers billions of dollars. Instead of tackling the problem head-on, President Trump is burying his head in the sand and handing out favors to his friends in the coal industry.

“Our moral responsibility is to ensure we have clean air, clean water and healthy communities for all. We must address climate change by enacting a just and fair transition away from fossil fuels toward a clean energy economy.”

Background: The Clean Power Plan focused on cutting carbon emissions from the U.S. electricity sector 32 percent by 2010, compared to 2005 levels. In the House, Jayapal is an original co-sponsor of the 100 by 50 Act, which lays out a pathway to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

Issues: Environment