Wasserman Schultz Statement on New EPA Clean Power Plan

Weston, FL, June 2, 2014
Today's announcement will help states like Florida continue moving in the right direction. In fact, Florida already has a plan in place to meet EPA's goals. The state's 2008 "Florida Energy and Climate Change Action Plan," if fully implemented, would save Floridians $28 billion and reduce our carbon footprint by 64%. EPA's plan will also give a boost to our South Florida counties, which have created the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, and are working hard to provide adaption strategies necessary to deal with current and future impacts of climate change.
Weston, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today regarding the Obama Administration’s proposed rule setting carbon limits for existing power plants:
“I applaud the Obama Administration’s announcement today of its Clean Power Plan which will help reduce our national carbon footprint and mitigate the worst effects of climate change.  Today’s plan by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will create a flexible federal-state plan to curb carbon emission from existing power plants by 30%, which nationally represents the largest single source of emissions.  
“Today’s announcement will help states like Florida continue moving in the right direction. In fact, Florida already has a plan in place to meet EPA’s goals.  The state’s 2008 “Florida Energy and Climate Change Action Plan,” if fully implemented, would save Floridians $28 billion and reduce our carbon footprint by 64%.  EPA’s plan will also give a boost to our South Florida counties, which have created the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, and are working hard to provide adaption strategies necessary to deal with current and future impacts of climate change.  
“While carbon pollution is the biggest long-term threat to our nation’s economic and military security and poses significant health threats to our society, for those of us living in South Florida, it is much more – it is an existential threat which, if not addressed, could wipe away all we know, love and treasure about South Florida.
“Miami is widely considered the most endangered urban area on earth when it comes to the effects of climate change.  And with sea-levels continuing to rise and weather becoming more extreme, we need urgent action like the ‘Clean Power Plan’ to hold back the oceans and mitigate the harm.  Continued, unabated carbon emissions will also destroy our coral reefs and much of the sea life we depend on as the ocean absorbs more and more carbon dioxide and becomes more acidic.
“Addressing climate change effectively and responsibly will not be easy. However for those of us living in South Florida, we know we cannot wait because the dangerous impacts are already happening.  As a mother, I know we must do all we can to ensure a better world for our children and all future generations.” 
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