Murkowski move would block new energy and environmental policies

MURKOWSKI MOVE WOULD BLOCK NEW ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
Attack on Clean Air Act is Just More “Waffling and Waiting”

Washington, DC - The League of Women Voters of the United States today announced its strong opposition to S.J. Res. 26, sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), which would block action by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act to rein in the pollution that is causing climate change and threatening communities here and around the world.  The Senate is expected to consider the Murkowski resolution soon, possibly as early as this week.

“At this critical time, when our nation needs new energy and environmental policies, Senator Murkowski’s resolution of disapproval is just more waffling and waiting.  It will block action to stop pollution, reinforce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, and undermine the move to a new, clean-energy, clean-jobs economy,” said Mary G. Wilson, president of the national League.

“The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the recent coal-mine tragedy in West Virginia point to our dead end and dangerous energy policies,” Wilson maintained.  

“The Murkowski resolution does nothing to make things better,” said Wilson. “It is only a negative action – and at a time when positive steps on energy are essential to national security, jobs, the economy and the planet.”

“The Murkowski resolution puts public health at risk and jeopardizes long-overdue action to cut emissions from the biggest polluters,” according to Wilson.  She said that the League is mobilizing its members and 850 affiliates around the country to urge their Senators to vote against the resolution.

The Clean Air Act has a 40-year track record of cutting dangerous pollution and protecting human health and the environment.  In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that global warming pollutants are covered by the Clean Air Act, and last May President Obama took action under this ruling by issuing landmark clean vehicle standards that will save consumers money at the gas pump, cut global warming pollution and reduce America's oil dependence.  Now, EPA has begun to regulate the pollutants spewing from major power plants. 

“The Murkowski resolution would block this progress and overrule sound, scientific decisions by EPA,” Wilson pointed out. “Senators should kill this resolution and keep moving to pass new climate and energy legislation.”

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The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.