Secretary Jewell Statement on Obama Administration Clean Power Plan

Date: August 3, 2015
Contact: Jessica Kershaw Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell issued the following statement on the release of the final Clean Power Plan, a key step in the Obama Administration’s fight against climate change:

"I am proud to serve in an Administration that continues to take bold action on protecting and preserving our planet for future generations by moving aggressively to cut carbon pollution. The Clean Power Plan announced today is a historic step in the fight against climate change. 
 
"We're already feeling the dangerous and costly effects of a changing climate – from hotter, drier and longer wildfire seasons, record drought, eroding coastlines, melting sea ice and reduced air quality that impact public lands and communities. 
 
"That’s why the Administration is taking comprehensive action to slow the effects of climate change, and the Clean Power Plan spells out aggressive steps to cut harmful carbon pollution from the power sector. Importantly, the Plan builds on the work already underway to facilitate reliable, clean, renewable energy projects on public lands and waters.

"As stewards of our public lands, waters and wildlife – and in partnership with tribal nations, states, and stakeholders – we have a responsibility to not only meet today’s needs, but we have a moral obligation to the next generation to leave our land, water, and wildlife better than we found it. That is our commitment to all Americans. And today we’re making historic progress on that promise."