Proposed Resolution on EPA is "Irresponsible"

Would Hamper Efforts to Cut Global Warming Pollution and Move to Clean Energy

WASHINGTON (December 18, 2009) -- Several members of Congress, led by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), have announced their intention to introduce a disapproval resolution that would undermine the EPA's ability to reduce global warming pollution, according to experts at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Following is a response by John Walke, Clean Air Program Director, NRDC:

“This irresponsible resolution would delay and interfere with our country’s ability to reduce carbon pollution, hampering efforts to protect the environment and move America to cleaner energy sources. The EPA has found that global warming pollution is harmful to the health of people and the planet, and this attack would undermine EPA’s ability to enact the law as Congress adopted it and the Supreme Court interpreted it. This proposed resolution contradicts the science and would nullify EPA rules, without replacing them with anything.

"If America is going to move to a low-carbon economy, we need to use every tool at our disposal. The Clean Air Act has worked to reduce air pollution and provides a necessary tool for cutting global warming pollution. New climate and energy legislation is needed to complement the existing law and move America to a clean energy future.

“Members of Congress should reject this resolution, which undermines the goals of cleaner air, greater security and a safer planet.”