| May 19, 2010 |  |
More Scientists Urge Congress to Reject Sen. Murkowski's Attack on the EPA
WASHINGTON (May 19, 2010) – More than 1,800 U.S. scientists sent a letter (pdf) to members of Congress today urging them to reject legislation that would undermine an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finding under the Clean Air Act that heat-trapping emissions drive climate change and endanger public health.
The Senate is expected to vote on legislation, introduced by Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, which would prevent the EPA from exercising its authority under the Clean Air Act to reduce the heat-trapping emissions. The legislation not only would stop the EPA from taking steps to reduce emissions from power plants, refineries and other "stationary" sources, it would block new heat-trapping emissions standards for cars and light trucks and prevent the agency from conducting any scientific research related to climate change.
"Because the EPA's finding is based on solid science, this legislation also represents a rejection of that science," the letter states. "Instead of standing in the way of climate action, the Senate should move quickly to enact climate and energy legislation that will curb global warming, save consumers money, and create jobs."
The Union of Concerned Scientists, which organized the letter, first sent it to Congress with some 500 signatories on March 1. Today, the letter has 1,806 signers.
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.
