| December 17, 2009 |  |
Senator Murkowski's EPA Ploy is a Distraction from Passing Needed Legislation
Statement by Lexi Shultz, deputy director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Climate and Energy Program
WASHINGTON (December 17, 2009) — Sen. Lisa Murkowski's (R-Alaska) proposed "disapproval resolution" blocking the Environmental Protection Agency's endangerment finding would cripple critical federal and state standards that would cut U.S. oil dependence, save consumers money, and reduce the heat-trapping emissions that cause global warming, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). The science group called the proposal a "political ploy" to derail serious efforts to pass comprehensive climate and energy policy.
Below is a statement by Lexi Shultz, deputy director of UCS's Climate and Energy Program:
"Senators need to quit posturing and start making progress on climate legislation. At a time when states, the executive branch, and the House all have taken action, the Senate is lagging behind because of obstructionist tactics like this resolution. Senators should be spending their time and energy putting solutions on the table, not throwing wrenches into the works at EPA. The best way for senators to address their concerns about EPA authority is to pass their own climate and energy bill.
"The EPA's endangerment finding was a response to the Supreme Court decision directing the agency to take an honest look at the science and determine if global warming emissions threaten public health and welfare. From heat waves to lower agricultural yields, to Alaskans having to move miles inland as sea levels rise, the threat of climate change is clear. You can't oppose EPA's authority—and responsibility—to reduce emissions without denying the science of global warming.
"This resolution would block EPA and 14 states from implementing standards for vehicles and power plants. EPA would not be able to finalize new vehicle standards that will save Americans money at the gas pump, curb tailpipe emissions, and cut America's oil dependence. Likewise, it would prevent the agency from curbing global warming emissions from coal-fired power plants and other facilities that emit massive amounts of pollution.
"Supporting this resolution would mean taking the 'protection' out of the Environmental Protection Agency. That's reckless and irresponsible."
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.
