March 29, 2016

Attorney General George Jepsen today issued the following statement on his participation in a meeting of attorneys general in New York City today to announce a new coalition to curb climate change and release a brief filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia today in support of President Obama's Clean Power Plan rule:

"Climate change is a real and pressing issue, and states have a compelling interest in reducing emissions to help address the harms that climate change imposes upon our residents. I am delighted to meet with so many thoughtful leaders to strategize on ways we can protect our citizens from the greatest threat we collectively face.

"The Clean Power Plan sets reasonable limits on emissions of climate change pollution from new and existing power plants and firmly grounded in law. The EPA adopted the Clean Power Plan through a multiyear process that drew heavily on the experience of states, like Connecticut, and utilities in reducing power plant greenhouse gas emissions. The finalization of the plan marked the culmination of a decade-long effort by cities and states to require mandatory cuts in the emissions of climate change pollution from fossil fuel burning power plants.

"I am proud to have worked with my fellow attorneys general and others in defending the Obama Administration's action to combat global warming, and I look forward to discussing how we can best further that important work. I also appreciate the opportunity to discuss potential future efforts, including the merits of possible joint investigations in this important area."

Seventeen jurisdictions took part in today's meeting, which was organized by the New York and Vermont Attorneys General; Attorney General Jepsen was one of seven attorneys general in attendance. They were joined by former Vice President and climate activist Al Gore.

The Clean Power Plan requires fossil-fueled power plants – the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country – to cut their emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. Please click here to view a copy of the multistate brief in support of the EPA Clean Power Plan.

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