U.S. Rep. Castor’s statement on West Virginia v. EPA’s oral Arguments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor attended today’s oral arguments in West Virginia v. EPA in which certain states, utilities and fossil fuel companies are challenging President Obama’s Clean Power Plan at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
“America needs to move toward clean, renewable energy sources now to slow climate change through policies that support renewable energy and limit carbon emissions. Climate change is very costly to Florida families, our economy and local communities. EPA is right to implement the Clean Air Act to discourage carbon pollution and help states transition to clean energy solutions and boost the jobs of the future,” said U.S. Rep. Castor.
An extensive coalition of cities, including seven from Florida, is defending the Clean Power Plan because cities are the first responders when it comes to addressing climate change impacts like overwhelmed water infrastructure, extreme weather events and sea level rise. Local communities are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on protecting critical infrastructure, drinking water supplies, and beaches while families and businesses eye insurance costs.
“We must focus on innovative solutions as we transition to a clean energy economy like cogeneration plants, energy efficiency, solar technologies, and renewable energy so that we can meet carbon reduction targets. Extended litigation over the President’s plan to will only put us further behind. Instead of arguing, we should be moving to a clean energy economy and limiting the costs of the changing climate.”
“The Clean Power Plan is not only good for the environment, it is good for Florida’s workers. A recent study by E2 shows that, already, there are more than 2.5 million Americans working every day in the clean energy field at businesses across our country. Clean energy will create 1 million new jobs in America by 2030 and 2 million by 2050, according to a recent analysis by ICF International. At the same time, according to the Florida League of Cities, Florida has more private property at risk from flooding than any other state. Climate chance could cost $69 billion in coastal property damage by 2030 in and $152 billion in damage to coastal Florida properties by 2050. This is an issue we must face now to ensure our economic future.”
In Florida, 109,000 new jobs tied to clean energy construction and manufacturing will be created by 2030 and 206,000 jobs by 2050, according to the ICF International analysis.
“The Clean Power Plan sends a strong, clear message that it is time to invest in the jobs of tomorrow and the private sector is responding by ramping up investments and expanding hiring,” U.S. Rep. Castor stated. “In fact, many states are already on track to meet the carbon reduction goals and I heard arguments in favor of the Clean Power Plan in court today from some power companies.”
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Florida) is a member of the Energy and Power Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee
Source: U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor
