Press Release

June 24, 2014
Cardin Statement on SCOTUS Ruling on Carbon Standards

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement in response to the ruling by the United States Supreme Court that upholds the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to set carbon pollution standards within the guidelines of the Clean Air Act.

 

“The proliferation of carbon pollution in our air is a public health issue, an economic issue and a national security issue. The Supreme Court today affirmed the ability and the responsibility of the federal government to set standards with a goal of reducing pollution in the air. While not absolute, this power will protect our communities from air pollutants like lead and mercury. Pollution does not stop at state borders. Strong but flexible carbon pollution standards for power plants are needed at the federal level, which is welcome news for America’s public health and our clean energy future.

 

“In Maryland, where we have some of the strictest air pollution standards in the country, we have seen our strong rules contribute to healthier communities and new jobs from a growing economy.”

 

###

 

X