Environment, Labor Partnership Focuses on Ensuring Workers Have a Voice as States Implement Plans

Pittsburgh, PA (July 31, 2014) – Three representatives of the BlueGreen Alliance will testify today during the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s hearing on the Clean Power Plan—a proposal to put the first-ever limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants. Their testimony will show that the proposed Clean Power Plan—an integral component of the president’s Climate Action Plan—is a significant step forward in tackling the root causes of climate change.

According to the National Climate Assessment, climate change in the Great Lakes region will increase risks to commercial and recreational fish populations; increase invasive species; and cause declining beach health and declining ice cover. Every decade since 1950 has been warmer than the decade before.

“The facts about how climate change is already affecting us today speak for themselves. Pennsylvania is dealing with more severe extreme weather events and this plan will help address that in the long-term, for generations to come,” said Khari Mosley, the Regional Program Manager for the BlueGreen Alliance in Pennsylvania.

The Clean Power Plan permits each state to craft a compliance strategy that is tailored to the specifics of its local and regional economy. The plan will also promote innovative ways to upgrade and invest in our electric grid and overall infrastructure.

“We are pleased that this rule permits each state to craft a plan. This means we can protect existing jobs while reducing emissions and create opportunities to grow new jobs, encourage investment, and jumpstart new technologies,” said Lee Geisse, a 27-year maintenance employee, third generation union member from Canton, Ohio, and Regional Program Manager for the BlueGreen Alliance.  “The plan that’s best for Ohio will be crafted by Ohioans.”

BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Kim Glas will speak about the importance of keeping workers engaged as states and regions work to create their blueprints to meet the Clean Power Plan’s carbon pollution reductions.

“America’s workers are the key to getting this right, which is why we’re making sure workers in each state have their voice heard,” said Glas. “We can choose to create and maintain middle-class jobs, revitalize our nation’s manufacturing sector, and address climate change. But, only if we make sure the working people are front-and-center as the Clean Power Plan moves forward.”

“We believe that, if well crafted, the Clean Power Plan has the potential to create and keep quality, family-sustaining jobs across the country,” added Glas.

To read the full testimony of each, click here.