Pres. Obama to Unveil Plan to Address Climate Change

Media Contacts

Environment Texas

AUSTIN – In the aftermath of record heat, drought and wildfires in Texas, Pres. Obama has announced he will unveil a climate action plan on Tuesday designed to cut the carbon pollution fueling global warming and advance clean energy solutions. Environment Texas and many other organizations applauded the announcement. 

“Texas is already paying a price as global warming fuels more dangerous heat waves, wildfires and drought,” said Luke Metzger, Director of Environment Texas. “Protecting our children from even more devastating consequences demands bold leadership. President Obama realizes this and we hope his plan will truly begin to safeguard our children’s future.” 

One aspect of the plan that Environment Texas and others will be watching closely is how it addresses carbon pollution from power plants. Despite being the largest sources of the carbon pollution fueling global warming, power plants have no federal limits on the amount of carbon pollution they can spew into our air. The president’s plan could take a pivotal step toward changing that.

“President Obama’s climate plan should clean up the largest global warming polluters and advance clean energy solutions, to help protect Texans and future generations from more severe weather and other consequences of global warming,” said Metzger. “In addition to cleaning up carbon pollution from power plants, we will look for the president’s plan to advance energy efficiency measures and expand renewable energy—two critical steps toward getting the nation on track to a truly clean energy future.”

More than 3.2 million Americans submitted public comments last year in support of the president setting limits on carbon pollution from power plants. Cities and states across the country have been successfully implementing climate action plans and renewable energy solutions. For example, Texas met 9 percent of the state’s electric demand through wind power last year.  These programs have helped cut carbon pollution, and paved the way for Tuesday’s plan for federal action from Pres. Obama.

“Environment Texas, and our thousands of members and supporters stand ready to assist the president in taking ambitious steps to cut global warming pollution,” concluded Metzger.