Labor, environmental group cheers climate change regulation
The BlueGreen Alliance, a group made up of labor unions and environmental groups which includes the Sheet Metal Workers, are applauding the move by President Barack Obama to rein in carbon pollution from existing power plants.
The administration is proposing to cut carbon emissions 30 percent by 2030, an aggressive target that will greatly affect the nation’s many plants which use coal. Obama said the reductions will help combat climate change.
“Today, President Obama has taken steps to address climate change at a time when it has never been more important,” said Leo W. Gerard, international president of the United Steelworkers and co-chairman of the BlueGreen Alliance. “The president and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have crafted a proposal that is a starting point for even more important work yet to come.”
The proposal is expected to be finalized by June 2015. It must be approved by Congress.
“Proposed existing source standards can be written and implemented effectively, so long as they strive for maximum flexibility while also continuing to meet high standards of power reliability, foster economic stability and meet our environmental responsibilities,” said William P. Hite, general president of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
