Attorney General Frosh Holds Hearing On Trump Administration

Attorney General Frosh to Hold Public Hearing on Trump
Administration’s Proposed Repeal of Clean Power Plan
Individuals Encouraged to Submit Comments for Official Inclusion to the EPA

BALTIMORE, MD (December 28, 2017) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, joined
by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch and the
Maryland General Assembly, announced today that Maryland will hold a hearing on the Trump
Administration’s proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan. (1.)

The Clean Power Plan established the first-ever nationwide limits on greenhouse gas emissions
from existing fossil-fuel power plants. On March 28, 2017, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt signed a notice indicating the EPA’s intent to review the Clean
Power Plan. On October 16, the EPA proposed to repeal the Clean Power Plan, claiming that it is
not consistent with the Clean Air Act. EPA is now taking comment on that proposal, but has
scheduled no hearings on the East Coast. States across the country in addition to Maryland are
holding their own public hearings and will submit comments directly to the EPA. (2.)

Maryland’s hearing will address the environmental and economic impact on the State of Maryland
of the proposed repeal and will ensure Marylanders’ voices are heard on this important measure.
The hearing will take place on January 11, 2018 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the Joint Hearing
Room of the Legislative Services Building in Annapolis. (3.)

This is the concern of all Marylanders. On August 3, 2015, President Obama and EPA announced the Clean Power Plan – a historic and important step in reducing carbon pollution from power plants that takes real action on climate change. Shaped by years of unprecedented outreach and public engagement, the final Clean Power Plan is fair, flexible and designed to strengthen the fast-growing trend toward cleaner and lower-polluting American energy. With strong but achievable standards for power plants, and customized goals for states to cut the carbon pollution that is driving climate change, the Clean Power Plan provides national consistency, accountability and a level playing field while reflecting each state’s energy mix. It also shows the world that the United States is committed to leading global efforts to address climate change. (4.)

What is the Clean Power Plan?

• The Clean Power Plan will reduce carbon pollution from power plants, the nation’s largest source, while maintaining energy reliability and affordability. Also on August 3, EPA issued final Carbon Pollution Standards for new, modified, and reconstructed power plants, and proposed a Federal Plan and model rule to assist states in implementing the Clean Power Plan.
• These are the first-ever national standards that address carbon pollution from power plants.
• The Clean Power Plan cuts significant amounts of power plant carbon pollution and the pollutants that cause the soot and smog that harm health, while advancing clean energy innovation, development and deployment, and laying the foundation for the long-term strategy needed to tackle the threat of climate change. By providing states and utilities ample flexibility and the time needed to achieve these pollution cuts, the Clean Power Plan offers the power sector the ability to optimize pollution reductions while maintaining a reliable and affordable supply of electricity for ratepayers and businesses. (5.)

Why we Need the Clean Power Plan

• In 2009, EPA determined that greenhouse gas pollution threatens Americans' health and welfare by leading to long-lasting changes in our climate that can have a range of negative effects on human health and the environment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most prevalent greenhouse gas pollutant, accounting for nearly three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions and 82 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
• Climate change is one of the greatest environmental and public health challenges we face. Climate impacts affect all Americans’ lives – from stronger storms to longer droughts and increased insurance premiums, food prices and allergy seasons.
• 2014 was the hottest year in recorded history, and 14 of the 15 warmest years on record have all occurred in the first 15 years of this century. Recorded temperatures in the first half of 2015 were also warmer than normal.
• The most vulnerable among us – including children, older adults, people with heart or lung disease and people living in poverty – may be most at risk from the impacts of climate change. (6.)

Benefits of Implementing the Clean Power Plan

• The transition to clean energy is happening faster than anticipated. This means carbon and air pollution are already decreasing, improving public health each and every year.
• The Clean Power Plan accelerates this momentum, putting us on pace to cut this dangerous pollution to historically low levels in the future.
• When the Clean Power Plan is fully in place in 2030, carbon pollution from the power sector will be 32 percent below 2005 levels, securing progress and making sure it continues.
• The transition to cleaner sources of energy will better protect Americans from other harmful air pollution, too. By 2030, emissions of sulfur dioxide from power plants will be 90 percent lower compared to 2005 levels, and emissions of nitrogen oxides will be 72 percent lower. Because these pollutants can create dangerous soot and smog, the historically low levels mean we will avoid thousands of premature deaths and have thousands fewer asthma attacks and hospitalizations in 2030 and every year beyond.
• Within this larger context, the Clean Power Plan itself is projected to contribute significant pollution reductions, resulting in important benefits, including:
  • Climate benefits of $20 billion
  • Health benefits of $14-$34 billion
  • Net benefits of $26-$45 billion
• Because carbon pollution comes packaged with other dangerous air pollutants, the Clean Power Plan will also protect public health, avoiding each year:
  • 3,600 premature deaths
  • 1,700 heart attacks
  • 90,000 asthma attacks
  • 300,000 missed work days and school days (7.)

The hearing will take place on January 11, 2018 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the Joint Hearing
Room of the Legislative Services Building in Annapolis.

Additional information and information for individuals who wish to submit testimony, or testify
in person can be found at: http://www.marylandattorneygen...

Information about EPA’s proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan can be found here:
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleas...

The Clean Power Plan that President Obama and the EPA put into place was something that was and is desperately needed not only for the health and well being of Americans, but also for the health of our nation. The Clean Power Plan covers a multitude of concerns that with time can be addressed, with positive outcomes. All of America would benefit. From the youngest to the oldest...and those not even born yet would benefit from this plan.

Why? What is the reasoning for President Trump and his Administration wanting to repeal The Clean Power Plan that would even benefit him and his family as well? One wonders is there a hidden agenda...or a covert plan that that the people of America are not aware of. Is there not a cause for the Clean Power plan? Americans deserve a healthy nation. The Clean Power Plan is a win-win situation. A win for the nation...and a win for its people of the nation. We as Marylanders must voice our views and opinions whether in person text, email, or write in. Your voices are needed. This is very serious and will affects all of America for many years to come if this environmental plan of protection is repealed. Our Attorney General Brian E. Frosh is working hard for Maryland and its residents. Lets hope that this plan of repeal..is repealed.

Maryland Office Of Attorney General Press Release December 28, 2017: Excerpts 1>4

United states Environmental Protection Agency January 19, 2017: Excerpts 5>7