Velázquez on Trump’s Repeal of Clean Power Plan

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement today regarding the Trump Administration's decision to replace the Obama-era Clean Power Plan.

"The Trump Administration's ‘polluters-first' proposal to gut the Clean Power Plan is just as reckless as expected.

"As our nation is seeing, climate change is fueling a surge in hurricanes, wildfires and flooding, costing lives and billions of dollars in damage. By originally establishing the Clean Power Plan in 2015, President Obama had put America on track to invest in renewable energy and curb carbon emissions.

"It is a bitter irony that as the harrowing effects of climate change increasingly prevail, the Trump Administration continues to abandon the progress our nation has made in addressing this crisis. Tragically, the proposal announced today is the latest in a series of actions proving this Administration is more focused on pleasing big oil and coal than protecting America's children, families and future.

"As a nation, we are morally obligated to care for our planet by taking every necessary measure to fight the devastating consequences of climate change."