Sen. Franken: Newly Announced Clean Power Plan Will Help Address Growing Threat of Climate Change

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 4, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), a member of the Senate Energy Committee, released the following statement today after President Obama announced a Clean Power Plan to address the growing threat of climate change by scaling back greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Earlier today, Sen. Franken was in attendance at the White House when the President announced the new plan.

“This is a truly historic day for our country—and for future generations who will be better off because of the steps we’re taking now to address the threat of climate change,” said Sen. Franken. “The Clean Power Plan will help clean up the air, and at the same time, it will create a lot of renewable energy and energy efficiency jobs in Minnesota and across the nation.

“This plan works for Minnesota, and builds on our strengths. It provides states like ours—which are already on the right track when it comes to addressing emissions—flexibility in implementing these new rules. Furthermore, it encourages stronger investments in the clean energy sector.

“Not addressing climate change isn’t an option. This landmark proposal will help us attack the problem head on, and in a smart and sensible way.”

Sen. Franken is one of Congress’ most vocal advocates for addressing climate change in a comprehensive way. Last year, as the Obama Administration was working on finalizing a draft of the Clean Power Plan, Sen. Franken called on President Obama to make sure that the final rule provided flexibility for states like Minnesota that are already taking action to reduce emissions.