On Tuesday, October 10, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt signed a proposed rule withdrawing the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan is the Nation’s first regulation that targets the amount of carbon dioxide pollution emitted from power plants. Power plants are the largest emitter of carbon dioxide, one of the leading contributors to climate change. This is the first step in an effort to repeal the rule which was enacted under the previous administration.

Earlier this year, I joined over 550 state legislators by signing a statement in support of climate action. This statement came in response to the decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. We came together to declare that we will continue growing the clean energy economy and America’s leadership role in fighting climate change. This statement along with actions states have taken in response can be found at the state legislators united for climate action web site.

The decision to reverse course on federal climate policy will not stop New York State from doing what needs to be done. Even with inaction from Washington D.C., state legislators are working with the Governor and local officials to reduce carbon pollution. New York State will continue to join with other states to provide the leadership necessary to insure that the United States will remain a global leader in fighting climate change.

New York State is one of 14 states and Puerto Rico that has formed the U.S. Climate Alliance. These states are on track to reach a 24% to 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2025. On June 19, 2017, the State Assembly passed A.8270, which I co-sponsor, which would enact the “New York State Climate and Community Protection Act”.