President’s Earth Day announcement builds on climate legacy

Environment New York

“The new efforts announced today to help protect some of our nation’s most treasured waterways build upon the president’s impressive and growing record of action on climate.” 

— Heather Leibowitz, Environment New York

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama celebrated Earth Day today with his first tour of the Everglades. Building on his Climate Action Plan, he announced several new initiatives, including efforts to protect the Everglades, Puget Sound, Hawaii, and the Great Lakes from climate change. In response, Environment New York Director Heather Leibowitz released the following statement:

“From the Everglades to drought-stricken California, President Obama doesn’t need to look hard to find examples that global warming isn’t just a threat to future generations – it’s a present reality. The new efforts announced today to help protect some of our nation’s most treasured waterways build upon the president’s impressive and growing record of action on climate. Most importantly, the president’s Clean Power Plan to limit carbon pollution from power plants is the largest single step the US has taken yet to tackle global warming.

Unfortunately, some in Congress have chosen to celebrate Earth Day by advancing legislation that would gut EPA’s Clean Air Act authority to implement the Clean Power Plan. It’s time for everyone who wants a healthier planet for future generations to join together and show our support the Clean Power Plan.”