| January 21, 2010 |  |
Murkowski Move an Assault on Science, Science Group Says
WASHINGTON (January 21, 2010) — Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) today introduced a resolution of disapproval on the Senate floor aimed at blocking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating global warming emissions under the Clean Air Act. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) called Sen. Murkowski's resolution "shortsighted and dangerous."
Below is a statement by Kevin Knobloch, president of UCS:
"This is an unprecedented assault on science. The Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that heat-trapping gases qualified as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act, and it directed the EPA to determine whether climate change endangers public health. After a comprehensive review of the science, the EPA found heat-trapping gases do put public health at risk and therefore should be regulated. It's unfortunate that Senator Murkowski is trying to overturn a determination based on the judgment of the best scientists in our nation on what's needed to protect the health of millions of Americans.
"This is especially surprising given that Alaskans, more than anyone, are feeling the effects of climate change first-hand. Senator Murkowski should understand that the magnitude of the problem is so massive that it would be foolish to discard any tool we have to combat it.
"This proposal is far-reaching. It would not only allow the nation's largest power plants and factories to continue to spew dangerous pollutants, it also would roll back new vehicle standards that, in 2020, would save more than a million barrels of oil per day, cut our emissions more than 200 million metric tons, and save motorists more than $32 billion at the pump.
"This misguided resolution should not be supported by any senator who respects the need to follow the science and protect public health."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
