Washington DC, March 28 – In response to the Trump Executive order that would instruct the Environmental Protection Agency to begin rewriting the 2015 regulation that limits greenhouse-gas emissions from existing electric utilities, as well as instruct the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to lift a moratorium on federal coal leasing, Greenpeace USA Executive Director Annie Leonard said:
“This executive order gives us further proof that Trump isn’t a leader, he’s just a fossil fuel industry stooge with a presidential pen. Thankfully, for all his bluster, the best Trump can do is delay America’s inevitable transition to clean energy, but he can’t stop it. The problem, of course, is how much devastation his administration will inflict on the climate, vulnerable communities, and the environment in the meantime. With this executive order, the Trump administration is simply putting America further behind in the global race towards a renewable future.
“While the Clean Power Plan is the trademark legislation of President Obama’s climate legacy, it is fortified by the rapid growth of renewable energy and a dedicated movement of people who understand the urgency of climate change. Those will both continue to grow and act with or without the support of Trump, who fails to grasp basic science and economics. Renewable energy is quickly taking a larger share in our energy mix, and can deliver more jobs that a return to fossil fuels.
“Lifting the moratorium won’t bring back coal jobs, guarantee a fair return to taxpayers, or make our necessary transition to a clean energy economy any quicker. It will only make progress that much more painful for coal country and delay a just transition to clean energy jobs. Empty promises won’t change the fact that the world has moved on from dirty polluting coal power. It’s past time to move on from an industry that has no long-term future, has largely opposed any true development in our communities, and has polluted our environment unabashedly for generations. No matter what fantasy the Trump administration is selling, Greenpeace will stand for a just transition that will deliver more and better jobs and move us forward.
“Trump’s attempt to undo the climate protections ensured in the 2015 EPA regulations will be vigorously challenged in court. Given the administration’s recent track record, that gives us hope that this roll-back of environmental policies won’t stand and justice will ensure these laws continue to protect the environment and the vulnerable communities most affected by climate change.”
