From: Rudhdi Karnik <rudhdi.karnik@sierraclub.org>
FYI this just went out to reporters-- woo hoo, big win!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Contact: Rudhdi Karnik, Rudhdi.Karnik@sierraclub.org, 202-495-3055
Federal Court Rejects Fossil Fuel Industry Effort to Delay Clean Power Plan Implementation
Court rejects motions to block nation’s first-ever limits on carbon pollution
Washington D.C.-- Today, in a decision applauded by clean energy companies, public health and environmental groups, and many states, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the fossil fuel industry’s legal attempt to block the implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan (CPP), which sets the first-ever protections against dangerous carbon pollution from U.S. power plants.
Under the Clean Power Plan, states will have 15 years to fully implement the new standards, which incorporate a broad array of flexible, cost-effective compliance options to reduce dangerous pollution. The CPP builds on existing trends in the power sector that have allowed many states around the country to reduce pollution at a rapid rate over the last decade.
In response Joanne Spalding, Sierra Club’s Chief Climate Counsel, released the following statement:
“We applaud the Court’s denial of polluter-backed efforts to block the Clean Power Plan. This decision clears the way for states to continue implementing this common-sense standard. The only people who won’t be cheering this decision are those who profit from pollution and their political allies.
“This is just the latest attack from the fossil fuel industry on the Clean Power Plan to be rejected by a federal court, and it won’t be the last. The fact is, the Clean Power Plan is based on legislation passed by Congress, upheld by the Supreme Court, and implemented by the President. It's a vital, lifesaving policy that draws on the strength and ingenuity of American innovation to curb dangerous carbon pollution being dumped into our air, while driving investment and creating jobs in energy efficiency and clean energy. In limiting the pollution that is causing climate disruption, the Clean Power Plan will also reduce pollution that causes serious respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and premature death -- effects that disproportionately burden communities of color and the most vulnerable members of our society.
“Today’s decision allows states, power providers, and clean energy companies to continue building on the momentum from the Paris climate summit, moving us closer to powering the nation with 100% clean energy.”--Rudhdi KarnikAssociate Press Secretary, Federal AffairsSierra Club, Beyond Coal Campaign
 | Mary Anne Hitt Director, Beyond Coal Campaign |