President Obama's Clean Power Plan

We know that carbon emissions have already warmed our planet, affected weather, contributed to wildfires and drought, made our oceans more acidic, caused a loss of sea ice, and exacerbated health problems.

As a policymaker, I take seriously the responsibility to take action and to do what we can to slow the effects of climate change. The standards outlined today in the Clean Power Plan will cut carbon emissions by 32 percent over the next 15 years by imposing limits on the largest source of carbon pollution: power plants.

In addition to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, the plan incentivizes investment in renewable energy. This shift to more renewable energy will result in new jobs, especially in wind and solar energy. Oregon has been a leader in this area; the Rule announced today will build on our success and create new employment opportunities in renewable energy sectors across the country.

The Plan will require each state to meet carbon emission reduction standards based on the state’s individual energy consumption. In Oregon, ocean acidification, rising sea levels, warmer temperatures, and water shortages threaten our fishing, forest, agricultural, tourism industries, and delicate northwest ecosystems. Oregon has recognized this and has already taken steps to reduce carbon pollution. I am confident that our state can and will continue to work on reducing carbon emissions in a way that meets the goals and requirements of the new Rule.