Leaders of Color Applaud the Clean Power Plan

Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Clean Power Plan, which directs states to cut carbon pollution from power plants. The plan includes important provisions that will benefit low-income Americans and communities of color, which are hit hardest by pollution and climate change.

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Leaders of Color Applaud President Obama’s ‘Clean Power Plan’
New Climate Rules Will Benefit Low-income Americans & Communities of Color

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Clean Power Plan, which directs states to cut carbon pollution from power plants.

The plan includes important provisions that will benefit low-income Americans and communities of color, which are hit hardest by pollution and climate change. For example:

1. EPA will reward states that focus on bringing energy efficiency and renewables to vulnerable communities – giving them double credits under its incentive program.
2. EPA will require states to demonstrate how they are including low-income and minority communities in the implementation process.
3. The plan encourages states to provide green job training for low-income and minority residents.

Statement of Green For All’s Founder: Van Jones
This is a big win for everyone working to get energy bills down and solar panels up in poor neighborhoods. It represents a humiliating black eye for big polluters, who have been trying to scare everyone into believing that Obama's climate rules will hurt the poor. Combined with the Administration’s low-income solar initiative announced in July, it turns out that Obama is doing everything possible to make sure that all Americans benefit from the clean energy revolution.

Statement of Green For All’s National Director: Vien Truong
We should be celebrating today. President Obama’s plan will help clean the air and improve our health. We know climate change affects us all, but it hits communities of color first and worst. If we get this right, this plan will spur growth in the clean energy economy, which will mean better jobs and more opportunity for the Americans who’ve historically been left behind. It will also save families money on their electricity bills – which they can reinvest into local economies. The Clean Power Plan is a huge win against poverty and pollution.

Additional Statements from Leaders of Color, including: