Says climate change already affecting Maine; new regulations will give a boost to Maine clean energy industry
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree had praise today for a proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cut carbon pollution from power plants by 30% by 2030.
"I know the big oil and coal companies will try to fight this, but cutting global warming pollution from power plants is the right thing to do. We are already seeing the impact of climate change in Maine and it's taking its toll on the economy," Pingree said. "Severe storms, unpredictable growing seasons and warming ocean temperatures aren't hypothetical future threats, they are real effects we are seeing right now in Maine. Ocean temperatures off the northeast coast are rising twice as fast as the global average and sea level rises are also expected to happen more quickly in our region."
In 2011, Maine needed millions of dollars in cleanup assistance from the federal government after Tropical Storm Irene slammed the coast. That same summer, severe weather conditions led to an agricultural disaster declaration for five counties. Meanwhile, ocean temperatures have risen by 2 to 5 degrees in the last decade, according to scientists at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
Pingree recently introduced a bill directing the federal government to more carefully examine the impact on ocean acidification—a product of carbon pollution—on coastal economies, including the lobster industry in Maine.
Pingree said the result of the proposed regulation would not only result in less greenhouse gas pollution but will also lead to investment in new clean energy technology.
"The EPA is giving states flexibility in figuring out how to reduce carbon pollution, but clearly one way to do it is to move away from old coal-fired power plants and invest in clean energy like wind and tidal power. Maine has already started to develop those businesses and this new rule could give a boost to that industry," Pingree said.
Pingree also said the proposed reductions in global warming pollution are overdue.
"The EPA regulates toxins like lead, mercury and arsenic. There is no reason why carbon pollution should be given a pass and I'm glad the EPA is proposing these reductions," Pingree said.
