Written by MEP’s Lindsey Wilson –
I support the Clean Power Plan because my generation shouldn’t have to clean up this generation’s mess – especially when the solutions are readily available. If we are to ensure a secure and healthy world for future generations we must act now to clean up the dirtiest sources of carbon pollution fueling the problem.
Tackling climate change isn’t just about the ecological health of our planet. It is about the future of human systems and human life. As a global community, we are already suffering from the impacts of climate change and we can make predictions of what the future will look like if we don’t act aggressively. Climate change is an ecological, political, economic and social disaster. If we fail to address this problem we will watch islands and forests disappear, extreme weather ravage communities, populations starve, and disease spread.
We know that climate change is happening. We know that human actions – mainly an excess of carbon and other greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere – are to blame. We know if we cut carbon emissions, we can dramatically reduce our carbon footprint.
We know coal-fired power plants are the single largest contributor of carbon emissions in this country. We know we can feasibly cut pollution from single largest emitter of carbon by making sure the EPA’s Clean Power Plan crosses the finish line. And on top of this, we know we have the technology, know-how, and expertise to successfully carry out and implement clean energy programs.
The good news is the United States EPA is working to address climate change and communities are coming together to call for solutions. 400,000 people marched through New York City demanding action and the two largest carbon emitters in the world – the U.S. and China – have just agreed to reduce their footprints.
The decisions we make today will determine our course into the future. It is time to come together collectively to change things. We need to empower communities to embrace and implement solutions that are within reach and readily available. For the health and future of our communities, I urge you to submit your comment to the United States EPA and let them know that you support the Clean Power Plan by December 1st. It is the responsibility of everyone to make this change.