NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today applauded new environmental standards that will cut carbon emissions from the nation's power plants by up to 30 percent by 2030. The proposed Clean Air Act rule, announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will require states to create individualized plans to reduce carbon pollution.

"We have a moral obligation to do what we can to combat climate change and I applaud today's announcement that our country will take a bold, much-needed step in the right direction," said Sen. Menendez."The new power plant rules allow for flexibility in reducing carbon emissions state-by-state and I look forward to living in a cleaner, greener New Jersey. This Administrative action moves us away from unnecessary partisan bickering and nonsensical climate denying - and puts us on a path forward that will improve our environment, public health and our energy future."

"Now that we have a nationwide rule concerning power plant climate pollution, I sincerely hope New Jersey rejoins the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).New Jersey has already taken significant steps to clean up its power generation fleet, so compliance with the rule should not be difficult, but RGGI membership would make it even easier."

Power plants account for 40% of the carbon pollution in the United States. In 2011, power plants and major industrial facilities in New Jersey alone emitted more than 25 million metric tons of carbon pollution - that's equal to the yearly pollution from more than 5.4 million cars. In New Jersey, there were close to 2,500 hospital admissions for asthma in 2011, with an average charge of over $15,000 for each stay. Plus, new data shows our most-rapidly growing minority populations are incredibly vulnerable - over 3.6 million Latinos in the US are living with asthma, including ten percent of Latino children.

In addition to the daily public health risks caused by carbon pollution, it also drives longer-term risks in the form of rising seas levels and more unpredictable weather. About six months after Superstorm Sandy devastated the East Coast, Sen. Menendez led a letter to President Obama calling for the kind of executive action taken today to curb carbon pollution and help prevent natural disasters.

He said: "We know limiting carbon emissions can help reduce the impact of severe weather events like Superstorm Sandy, as well as droughts, floods and wildfires. These carbon pollution standards will hold an industry accountable and prevent power plants from polluting our environment with no consequences for their actions."

Sen. Menendez sits on the newly formed Climate Action Task Force and supports bold action to reduce the United States' greenhouse gas emissions.He previously joined several of his Senate colleagues in calling for the most ambitious and comprehensive plans to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 80% in 2050, and has advocated for the extension of tax credits that encourage investment in renewable energy sources. Additionally, the Senator has introduced legislation to close tax loopholes for the five biggest oil companies, who post record profits while irreparably altering our climate.

In his capacity as the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Menendez has jurisdiction over international negotiations to develop a global climate change agreement and efforts to help promote sustainable development worldwide.

"The Administration's actions tell the world the United States is a real leader in combating climate change," said Sen. Menendez. "As Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, I know this announcement today will inspire other countries to take similarly bold moves in reducing carbon emissions and improve public health and safety."

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