Press Releases 2016 - 2018

Press Releases 2019     |     Press Releases 2015

2018 

Sep 26 - Sierra Club Launches Nationwide Effort to Elect Environmental Champions
Sep 18 - Sierra Club endorses Clarke Tucker for Congress
Sep 11 - Fayetteville AR Recognised as Clean Energy Leader in New National Report
Jul 13 -  AR Sierra Club Press Release: Big Win at the Arkansas PSC
Jul 5 - Arkansas Sierra Club statement on resignation of EPA administrator Scott Pruit 
May 17 - Arkansas Sierra Club Endorses Ross Noland for State Representative in House District 33 Democratic Primary     

====================================

2017

Oct. 9 - Repealing the Clean Power Plan Will Threaten Thousands of Lives     

====================================

2016

Jan. 21 - Federal Court Rejects Fossil Fuel Industry Effort to Delay Clean Power Plan Implementation
Jan. 21 - Arkansas Sierra Club Response to AG Rutledge's "Mats" Opposition

====================================

Sierra Club Launches Nationwide Effort to Elect Environmental Champions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Contact: Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org  

Sierra Club Launches Nationwide Effort to Elect Environmental Champions

Staff Will be Embedded in Campaigns Across the Country in the Month Leading Up to Election Day

Washington, DC -- Today, the Sierra Club announced the launch of its Victory Corps program, a nationwide coordinated effort that embeds staff on congressional and gubernatorial campaigns around the country.

Beginning in early-October, the Sierra Club Political Committee and Sierra Club Chapters’ state Pacs will deploy at least 29 staffers to campaigns around the country to work on campaigns for progressive environmental champions. These staffers will work with campaigns to create and expand on a robust volunteer operation targeting the Sierra Club’s 3.5 million members and supporters, persuading voters and getting out the vote.

While the Victory Corps program was established in 2008, the Sierra Club has been deploying staff to work with campaigns since 1988.

To see the full list of races the Sierra Club’s Victory Corps Program will be working on click here.  

In response, Sierra Club PAC Director Sarah Burton released the following statement:

“Donald Trump and his Republican cohorts in Congress have taken extreme steps to undo critical clean air, water, and climate protections while impeding on the civil and human rights of vulnerable communities across the country. From inhumane immigration policies to the neglect of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, the fight for healthy and safe environments cannot be separated from broader progressive goals. This is why the Sierra Club is mobilizing our 3.5 million members and supporters to elect progressive champions who will work to make the places we live, work, and play safe and healthy for everyone.

“As the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, the Sierra Club is uniquely equipped to mobilize voters and elect our endorsed candidates. It’s been well established that field efforts win campaigns, and that’s exactly what we plan to do.”

###

Paid for by the Sierra Club Political Committee, www.sierraclub.org, and not authorized by any candidates or candidate committees.
--
Lauren Lantry
Deputy Press Secretary, Resist Campaign
Sierra Club
(o) 202.548.6599
(c) 858.334.5634
@laurenlandtree
--
Sarah Burton
National PAC Director
sarah.burton@sierraclub.org
(202) 495-3056
--
Glen Hooks, J.D.
Director
Arkansas Sierra Club
1308 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR  72201
glen.hooks@sierraclub.org
(501) 301-8280
(501) 744-2674 (cell)

====================================

Sierra Club Endorses Clarke Tucker for Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
September 18th, 2018
Glen Hooks
501-744-2674
glen.hooks@sierraclub.org… 

Sierra Club Endorses Clarke Tucker for Congress

Nation’s Largest Grassroots Environmental Group Praises Work to Protect Arkansas’s Environment

[LITTLE ROCK]: The Arkansas Chapter of the Sierra Club today announced its endorsement of Clarke Tucker for the 2nd Congressional District seat in the 2018 Congressional election.

"We are pleased to announce today that the Sierra Club officially endorses Clarke Tucker for Congress," said Glen Hooks, Director of the Arkansas Sierra Club. "We are confident that he will continue work to protect our families’ health, air and water, and build a clean energy economy that works for us here in the Natural State."

"I am excited to be endorsed by the Sierra Club and share their commitment to protecting and restoring our natural environment," Tucker said. "We need organizations like the Sierra Club that recognize the environmental concerns nearly every scientist agrees on and then take action to protect our planet so that it is livable for our kids and their kids. As the Natural State, we have a heightened responsibility to use our ecosystem and resources wisely, champion a clean energy economy, and protect our clean air, clean water, and our climate. I look forward to working with the Sierra Club to do just that in this race and in Congress."

Given the current administration’s continued threats to our clean air and water and public lands, it is more important than ever to elect environmental champions like Clarke Tucker.  During his time in the Arkansas legislature, Tucker worked to promote clean energy via efforts like community net metering.  He was also instrumental in thwarting an attempt to further endanger the iconic Buffalo River. 

"We are deeply grateful to Clarke Tucker for his work to support clean energy, to protect the Buffalo River, and for his stance in favor of the Paris Climate agreement,” said Hooks.  “Clarke Tucker is a true environmental champion who will fight to protect Arkansas’s clean air, clean water, our climate and our special places.

Along with the endorsement, the Sierra Club will lend its volunteer strength to Clarke Tucker's campaign. 

"We pledge to do all we can to help ensure Rep. Tucker is elected," said Hooks.  "Scores of Sierra Club volunteers will contact voters on his behalf and we will speak to the public as often as possible about Tucker’s exemplary environmental record. We look forward to a victory for Clarke Tucker on election night and to him fighting for the environment as a U.S. Representative."

###

About the Sierra Club:

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

Paid for by Sierra Club Political Committee, www.sierraclub.org, and authorized by Clarke Tucker for Congress.

--
Glen Hooks, J.D.
Director
Arkansas Sierra Club
1308 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR  72201
glen.hooks@sierraclub.org 

(501) 301-8280
(501) 744-2674 (cell)

--

Glen Hooks, J.D.
Director
Arkansas Sierra Club
1308 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR  72201
glen.hooks@sierraclub.org 

(501) 301-8280
(501) 744-2674 (cell)

 ====================================

New Sierra Club Report Showcases 10 U.S. Cities Moving To 100% Clean Energy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Contacts: Glen Hooks, glen.hooks@sierraclub.org, 501-744-2674
Shane Levy,  shane.levy@sierraclub.org, 201-679-9507

New Sierra Club Report Showcases 10 U.S. Cities Moving To 100% Clean Energy

Report highlights 100% clean, renewable energy pathways for Fayetteville

*View Report*

FAYETTEVILLE, AR -- Today, the Sierra Club released a new report showcasing 10 U.S. cities that have made ambitious commitments to be powered with 100 percent clean, renewable energy like wind and solar. The City of Fayetteville is included as a clean energy leader in this national report.

Ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit in September, the report illustrates the progress that cities in the United States are making to lead climate action globally by driving the transition towards 100 percent clean energy, as well as the pathways these communities are pursuing to transition in an equitable way.

More than 75 U.S. cities have now committed to transition to 100 percent clean energy, including big cities like Atlanta, Georgia and small towns such as Abita Springs, Louisiana. At least six U.S. cities have already achieved 100 percent clean energy and are powered today with entirely renewable sources.

This report provides an example for city leaders from Fayetteville and other cities to power their cities with 100 percent clean, renewable energy. Fayetteville was the first city in Arkansas to commit to 100 percent clean energy in January.

“As leaders from around the world gather in San Francisco this week for the Global Climate Action Summit, one need only look at America’s cities to see how local leadership is having a global impact,” said Jodie Van Horn, Director of the Sierra Club’s Ready For 100 campaign. “Cities are taking meaningful steps to realize a vision for healthy, vibrant, and more equitable communities powered with 100% clean energy. A transition to 100% clean energy is within reach, and together we can create a new energy economy that transforms not only how we power our country but also who has power to decide what’s best for our communities.”

This is the third annual case studies report from Ready For 100, a Sierra Club campaign launched in 2016 working in cities across the United States -- including Fayetteville -- to accelerate a just and equitable transition to 100 percent clean energy.

The cities profiles in this year’s report include: Columbia, South Carolina; Concord, New Hampshire; Denton, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Norman, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; Santa Barbara, California; St. Louis, Missouri

“Arkansas is embracing clean energy, and the City of Fayetteville is helping to lead the way,” said Glen Hooks, Director of the Arkansas Sierra Club. “Mayor Lioneld Jordan and the Fayetteville City Council envision a city that is a sustainable, clean, and healthy place for families who want a high quality of life. I’m proud that the Sierra Club has an outstanding partner in the city of Fayetteville. It’s a great place to live, and Mayor Jordan’s leadership on clean energy has a lot do with that.”

View the report here: sc.org/10-case-studies.

###

--

Glen Hooks, J.D.
Director
Arkansas Sierra Club
1308 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR  72201
glen.hooks@sierraclub.org

(501) 301-8280
(501) 744-2674 (cell)

 ====================================

Arkansas Public Service Commission Sets New Energy Efficiency Goals

PSC Sides With Environmental Groups, Says Utilities Can Do More

Friday, July 13, 2018
Contact:
Glen Hooks, glen.hooks@sierraclub.org, (501) 744-2674
Vanessa Ramos, vanessa.ramos@sierraclub.org, (512) 586 -1853

LITTLE ROCK, AR:  Today, the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) issued an order setting higher energy efficiency goals for Arkansas electric utilities across the state. This order sets an energy savings target of 1.2% of utility baseline sales per year from 2020-2022, approving a proposal by Sierra Club, Audubon Arkansas, and the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association. These targets are a significant increase from previous energy efficiency targets, which previously topped out at 1% in 2019, and firmly establish Arkansas as a leader of energy efficiency savings in the South.

The increased energy efficiency targets will result in approximately 445 million kilowatt hours of additional energy savings per year in Arkansas. 

“The Commission's order today is a win for Arkansas’s electric customers” said Casey Roberts, Senior Attorney for the Sierra Club.  “The Commission established increased, but completely achievable, energy savings targets for the utilities that will require them to expand access to their energy efficiency programs.  These expanded programs will save customers money while making their homes more comfortable and reducing air and water pollution. 

Since 2013, ASPC has set a statewide energy savings target for all Arkansas investor-owned utilities in 3-year increments. In May of this year, the Parties Working Collaboratively (PWC), APSC established a group of stakeholders, failed to reach a consensus proposal on the recommended target levels. The group submitted opposing proposals from two groups of stakeholders, roughly broken down into the energy efficiency advocates who believed higher levels of cost-effective energy efficiency savings were achievable, and a group largely comprised by utilities who advocated for maintaining lower savings levels.  Today, the APSC adopted the advocates” recommendations for higher targets. 

“Today’s decision will encourage Arkansas’s electric utilities to continue to improve and expand their efficiency programs, which is great news for Arkansans,” said Gary Moody, Public Affairs Director for Audubon Arkansas.   “Smarter, more efficient energy use not only saves utilities and their customers' money--it creates good local jobs and protects our natural environment.  The cleanest power source is the energy you never have to generate in the first place. This order will help propel Arkansas to a cleaner, more efficient future. 

The APSC order can be found here.     

# # #

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

About the Parties Working Collaboratively (PWC)

The Parties Working Collaboratively Group for the last few years devoted their time to update Arkansas energy efficiency goals and it was created and supported by the APSC. 

--
Glen Hooks, J.D.
Director
Arkansas Sierra Club
1308 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR  72201
glen.hooks@sierraclub.org

(501) 301-8280
(501) 744-2674 (cell)

====================================

Arkansas Sierra Club Statement on Resignation of EPA Administrator Scott Pruit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5th, 2018
Contact:  Glen Hooks
501-744-2674 or glen.hooks@sierraclub.org     

 

Arkansas Sierra Club Statement on Resignation of EPA Administrator Scott Pruit

Today, Scott Pruitt--the scandal-plagued and ethically-challenged Administrator of the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump  Pruitt's term as Administrator was the shortest in the history of the EPA.

The Sierra Club generated almost 100,000 comments urging for Pruitt’s firing and helped expose many of his scandals through Freedom of Information Act requests.

In response to Pruitt's resignation, the Arkansas Sierra Club released the following statement from its Director, Glen Hooks.

“This resignation is welcome, and long overdue. Scott Pruitt was the worst EPA Administrator in history, and any President that cared about protecting taxpayers, respecting science, tackling the climate crisis, or protecting the environment would have fired him months ago. Still, credit is due to the many Americans on both sides of the aisle who have taken action and spoken out to oust one of the most corrupt officials in the history of our nation -- and the Trump Administration can be assured that same energy and passion that helped boot Scott Pruitt will be focused on ensuring the next EPA Administrator works for the public, not corporate polluters.

We have to restore public trust in the EPA and let the agency fulfill its mission, rather than gut the laws that keep our families safe. A coal lobbyist dogged by ethical questions like Andrew Wheeler is not the person to do that. We urge Senators Boozman and Cotton to confirm a nominee who will hold the health and safety of American families in higher regard than the profits of big polluters.”

# # #
--
Glen Hooks, J.D.
Director
Arkansas Sierra Club
1308 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
glen.hooks@sierraclub.org 
(501) 301-8280
(501) 744-2674 (cell)

====================================

Arkansas Sierra Club Endorses Ross Noland for State Representative in House District 33 Democratic Primary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17th, 2018
Contact:  Glen Hooks
501-744-2674 or glen.hooks@sierraclub.org     

Arkansas Sierra Club Endorses Ross Noland for State Representative in House District 33 Democratic Primary

Noland's Record as Environmental Attorney and Protector Of Natural Resources Make Him An Exceptional Choice

LITTLE ROCK--Today, the Arkansas Sierra Club announced its strong endorsement of Ross Noland's campaign for Arkansas State Representative in the House District 33 Democratic primary election.

"Ross Noland has an exceptional record of fighting to protect our natural resources," said Glen Hooks, Director of the Arkansas Sierra Club.  "The Sierra Club has worked closely with Ross over the years to protect the Buffalo River, to advance clean energy issues, and to ensure that Arkansas communities enjoy clean air and water.  We know him as a determined, educated, and passionate advocate for The Natural State.  Ross Noland is not only someone who will vote for environmental protection--he will be a leader dedicated to elevating environmental issues in the General Assembly.  For all of these reasons, the Arkansas Sierra Club is proud to endorse Ross Noland for State Representative."

Ross Noland is one of the state's leading environmental attorneys, and also serves as Executive Director of the Buffalo River Foundation. He holds a master's degree in environmental law from George Washington University, and previously served as Legislative Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. He regularly appears on a wide range of energy and environmental matters before the Arkansas Public Service Commission and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.

"As a Sierra Club member, I am honored to receive the Sierra Club's endorsement," said Noland.   "My entire career has been spent fighting for clean water, clean air, and clean energy.  Championing these issues not only means a cleaner environment--it also means good-paying jobs and better health for all Arkansans.  I look forward to being a leader on environmental issues in the Arkansas Legislature."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

--

Glen Hooks, J.D.
Director
Arkansas Sierra Club
1308 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR  72201
glen.hooks@sierraclub.org

(501) 301-8280
(501) 744-2674 (cell)

====================================

Repealing the Clean Power Plan Will Threaten Thousands of Lives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9th, 2017
Contact:  Glen Hooks
501-744-2674 or glen.hooks@sierraclub.org

Arkansas Sierra Club:  Repealing the Clean Power Plan Will Threaten Thousands of Lives
The Trump EPA Should Not Stand in the Way of Arkansas’s Clean Energy Progress

Today, amid reports that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is cooking the books to discount the numerous health and economic benefits of the Clean Power Plan, Pruitt announced that he would sign an order repealing the plan tomorrow.

The Clean Power Plan protects the health of our families and communities by curbing dangerous, climate-disrupting carbon pollution that is exacerbating extreme weather events, and by reducing other harmful pollutants that contribute to dangerous smog and soot, causing heart attacks, respiratory illnesses, and even premature deaths.

EPA previously projected that the Clean Power Plan would prevent 90,000 childhood asthma attacks, 300,000 missed work and school days, and 3,600 premature deaths annually by 2030. The Plan would result in annual climate benefits of $20 billion and annual health benefits of between $14 and $34 billion. It would also reduce the average consumer’s electricity bill by $85 per year and save consumers a total of $155 billion over the course of the next decade.

In response, the Arkansas Sierra Club released the following statement from its Director, Glen Hooks 

“Today’s announcement confirms that the Trump EPA is actively committed to ignoring health, climate, public safety, and economic reality in pursuit of protecting polluter profits.   The Clean Power Plan is designed to reduce dangerous carbon pollution from power plants.  This pollution directly puts the lives and health of Arkansans at risk, and wreaks havoc on our climate.  Repealing the Clean Power Plan means, in no uncertain terms, that Scott Pruitt cares more about propping up the dirty fossil fuel industry than he cares about the health of Arkansans.

“Pruitt is not just ignoring the deadly cost of pollution, he’s ignoring the clean energy deployment that is rapidly creating jobs across the country and right here in Arkansas. In Arkansas, our largest utilities are importing hundreds of megawatts of wind energy while also constructing multiple solar energy plants.  The Clean Power Plan has been a critically important catalyst for continuing this momentum and ensuring that the benefits of reducing pollution and growing the clean energy economy are deployed equitably and fairly across the country. Without it, there are serious questions about where and how clean energy will develop and whether everyone can enjoy the health and financial benefits of reducing dangerous pollution.

“No matter who is in the White House, the EPA is legally required to limit dangerous carbon pollution, and the Clean Power Plan is an achievable, affordable way to do that. It is a key element in continuing the progress moving toward clean energy and retiring coal, as it is already a part of most planning by utilities and Public Utility Commissions. These are reasons why many states, including Arkansas,are already on track to meet or exceed their 2030 emissions goals years ahead of schedule -- but too many communities are being left behind by Trump’s destructive decisions.

“Make no mistake, the fight against this dangerous decision is only just beginning. We will mobilize to make our voices heard when the EPA conducts its legally-required comment period and we will challenge any dirty strategy that violates the Clean Air Act in court. Trump can’t reverse our clean energy and climate progress with the stroke of a pen, and we’ll fight him and Scott Pruitt in the courts, in the streets, and at the state and local level across America to protect the health of every community.”

#  #  #

Glen Hooks, J.D.
Director
Arkansas Sierra Club
1308 West 2nd Street
Little Rock, AR  72201
glen.hooks@sierraclub.org
(501) 301-8280
(501) 744-2674 (cell)

====================================

Federal Court Rejects Fossil Fuel Industry Effort to Delay Clean Power Plan Implementation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 21, 2016

Contact: Rudhdi Karnik, Rudhdi.Karnik@sierraclub.org, 202-495-3055
              Glen Hooks, Sierra Club of Arkansas Director, glen.hooks@sierraclub.org501-744-2674

Federal Court Rejects Fossil Fuel Industry Effort to Delay Clean Power Plan Implementation
Court rejects motions to block nation’s first-ever limits on carbon pollution

Washington D.C.-- Today, in a decision applauded by clean energy companies, public health and environmental groups, and many states, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the fossil fuel industry’s legal attempt to block the implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan (CPP), which sets the first-ever protections against dangerous carbon pollution from U.S. power plants.

Under the Clean Power Plan, states will  have 15 years to fully implement the new standards, which incorporate a broad array of flexible, cost-effective compliance options to reduce dangerous pollution. The CPP builds on existing trends in the power sector that have allowed many states around the country to reduce pollution at a rapid rate over the last decade.

In response Joanne Spalding, Sierra Club’s Chief Climate Counsel, released the following statement:

“We applaud the Court’s denial of polluter-backed efforts to block the Clean Power Plan. This decision clears the way for states to continue implementing this common-sense standard. The only people who won’t be cheering this decision are those who profit from pollution and their political allies.

“This is just the latest attack from the fossil fuel industry on the Clean Power Plan to be rejected by a federal court, and it won’t be the last. The fact is, the Clean Power Plan is based on legislation passed by Congress, upheld by the Supreme Court, and implemented by the President. It's a vital, lifesaving policy that draws on the strength and ingenuity of American innovation to curb dangerous carbon pollution being dumped into our air, while driving investment and creating jobs in energy efficiency and clean energy. In limiting the pollution that is causing climate disruption, the Clean Power Plan will also reduce pollution that causes serious respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and premature death -- effects that disproportionately burden communities of color and the most vulnerable members of our society.

“Today’s decision allows states, power providers, and clean energy companies to continue building on the momentum from the Paris climate summit, moving us closer to powering the nation with 100% clean energy.” 

Glen Hooks, Director of the Sierra Club's Arkansas Chapter, added the following:

"For more than a year, the Sierra Club and other Arkansas stakeholders have been working to develop a strong, smart way for our state to meet its Clean Power Plan goals. This collaborative group of environmentalists, utilities, industry, regulators, and state officials are committed to reducing carbon pollution while simultaneously improving our Arkansas's health and economy. I'm optimistic that we, together, will take full advantage of this opportunity to build a stronger Arkansas.

"Today's decision marks the third time that Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has challenged the Clean Power Plan in court, and the third time that the challenge has been unsuccessful. I urge our Attorney General to stop opposing clean air protections and wasting taxpayer resources on endless legal challenges. As a lifelong Arkansan, I'd happily welcome our Attorney General to join us at the table as we usher Arkansas into a clean energy future."

# # #

====================================

ARKANSAS SIERRA CLUB RESPONSE TO AG RUTLEDGE'S "MATS" OPPOSITION

January 21st, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Glen Hooks
(501) 744-2674 or glen.hooks@sierraclub.org

ARKANSAS SIERRA CLUB RESPONSE TO AG RUTLEDGE'S "MATS" OPPOSITION

Today, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge released her comments about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS"), which are aimed at dramatically improving air quality by reducing harmful pollution from our nation's power plants.   Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered EPA to conduct a cost analysis for MATS and resubmit the proposal.  EPA did so, but today Rutledge urged the EPA to withdraw the proposed MATS standard, arguing that EPA did not properly quantify the costs of the new standard.

In response, the Arkansas Sierra Club issued the following statement from Director Glen Hooks:

"Attorney General Rutledge begins her second year in office the same way she spent her first year:  standing with dirty polluters against common-sense clean air protections.  The proposed MATS standard is aimed at reducing some of the most harmful pollutants--including dangerous mercury, a known neurotoxin that threatens children and women of childbearing age.  Protecting Arkansans from mercury pollution should be an issue that the Sierra Club and our Attorney General agree upon.  Sadly, Rutledge has chosen once again to align herself with the polluters instead of the people. 

"When the proposed MATS standards were remanded, the Court ordered EPA to quantify the costs of the standards.  Accordingly, the EPA carefully examined the costs of MATS and found that they were both: (1) reasonable in light of the massively consequential harms caused by power plants' emissions of mercury and other air toxics, and (2) and vastly smaller than the benefits of the rule, which are many times higher than the costs to industry.

"In short, MATS will lead to healthier Arkansans and cleaner air, and do so in way that is economically reasonable.  Attorney General Rutledge's continued opposition to clean air and water continues to disappoint those who care about The Natural State."

====================================

Press Releases 2015

Caution to webmaster: do not re-name/re-use this page ADEQ or ADEQ-Info as it could cause linkage problem.