Jimmy Panetta: “Today I rise in opposition of the executive order that was signed that attempts to destroy the Clean Power Plan. Once…”

“Today I rise in opposition of the executive order that was signed that attempts to destroy the Clean Power Plan. Once again, we are seeing politics driving policy. We are seeing the fulfillment of a past campaign promise rather than a focus on our future. The administration claims that the Clean Power Plan limits jobs. The reality is that the jobs were not lost due to tougher carbon emission standards. Instead, jobs were found due to our innovation, more competition based on cheaper natural gas, more mechanization due to advances in technology, and more tax credits for renewable energy. The reality is that more jobs and property will be lost without reducing our CO<INF>2</INF> output. More CO<INF>2</INF> will lead to more acidification which will lead to less fish and less fishermen. More CO<INF>2</INF> will lead to shrinking icecaps and expanding sea levels causing damage to property not only along the central coast of California, my district, but along all coastlines around the world. Homes, businesses, and even our Navy bases will be affected, threatening not just our personal but our national security. The administration needs to stop taking steps backwards when it comes to our CO<INF>2</INF> output. But like many businesses, it needs to start pivoting and taking steps forward to protect our jobs, our coastlines, and our future. ____________________”