To the Editor:
This week the Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first-ever federal limits on carbon pollution from power plants, the largest single source of global warming pollution in America. As a Virginian, I applaud this proposal for much needed limits.
The National Climate Assessment, released in May, recognized today’s impacts with the statement, “Climate change, once considered an issue for a distant future, has moved firmly into the present.”
From the Tidewater Region to Northern Virginia, Virginians feel the consequences of global warming far too often. With every summer thunderstorm and passing weather system, coastal regions go underwater, threatening homes and basements, drivers on the roads as well as commercial storefronts in low lying areas. With millions of dollars at stake each times it rains, it is not worth it to ignore the source of the problem: global warming.
This announcement is a huge win for the health of our families and our environment. It is in large part a testament to the millions of Americans, many of whom are Virginians, more than 600 local elected officials, and hundreds of small businesses who have already demanded the cutting of carbon pollution.
EPA’s proposal, once finalized will be the largest step the U.S. has ever taken to combat global warming and it’s our best chance to give our children a legacy we can be proud of.
We’ll be counting on Senator Warner to step up to the plate in supporting these first-ever limits on carbon pollution from power plants for Virginia.
Eva Muszynski, Arlington