Paul Tonko: “This bill represents a misguided attempt to hold back change and progress. Climate change is a problem. We must deal…”

“This bill represents a misguided attempt to hold back change and progress. Climate change is a problem. We must deal with it. The clean power plan is an important step in that direction. It is very disappointing to hear such a ``can't do'' attitude. We have always been a nation that tackles big problems rather than denying them. Many States have already achieved significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through regional carbon trading, renewable portfolio standards, energy efficient programming, and investments in clean energy. My home State has made great strides. And if there is a flaw in the proposed rule, it is that the proposal asked States that have already done a lot to reduce their emissions and modernize their electric grids to do even more. By contrast, the requirements on the States that have resisted change and have done far less, are asked only to get started. This bill invites some States to continue to avoid doing their fair share to address the serious environmental and economic threat posed by climate change. New York State will continue to work on this problem, as will a number of other States that have already taken the steps that I mentioned earlier, but it would be nice if our neighbors also helped to address the problem that we all had a role in creating. This bill should be defeated. It certainly will not go far in the Senate, and it would not get signed by our President. Its consideration is, indeed, a waste of time.…”