Trump Administration’s Dirty Power Plan Will Bankrupt Our Future

COLUMBUS, OH -- In the midst of intense public pressure for action on the climate crisis, Donald Trump and his EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler nevertheless moved backward today by finalizing the Trump Administration's plan to roll back the Clean Power Plan, the first-ever safeguards to curb carbon pollution from existing power plants. Wheeler’s alternative—the Dirty Power Plan—is an illegal and deadly rollback that is nothing more than a giveaway to the coal industry; EPA itself previously admitted this type of policy change could result in up to 1,400 deaths every year due to increased air pollution.

In response, Neil Waggoner, Ohio Campaign Representative of the Beyond Coal Campaign, issued the following statement:

“EPA Director Wheeler’s attempt to rollback the Clean Power Plan reveals ​the ​Trump administration’s plan to bankrupt our energy future and a complete disregard for Ohio’s air quality, environment, and the health of all Ohioans.

“Attempts to prop up old dirty coal power plants have proven consistent economic losers for Ohio electric customers who have paid and are projected to pay hundreds of millions. At the same time, investments in clean renewable energy have proven winners. You just have to look at AEP’s plans to move up previously announced coal unit retirements and development plans for large utility scale solar farms for proof. Like most other utilities that include renewable energy options in their research, AEP found investing in renewable energy is the best option for their business, customers’ pocketbook, and everyone’s health and environment.

“Director Wheeler may have been born in Ohio but he clearly doesn’t care about our state’s future.”