FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT
Will Medina / Norma Gutierrez
Torres Multicultural Communications
will@torresmulticultural.com / norma@torresmulticultural.com
623-282-8824 mobile / 480-234-9326 mobile
Sandy Bahr, Sierra Club, 602-999-5790, sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org
Chispa Arizona and Sierra Club Call On the Governor to Support Clean Power Plan
Phoenix, AZ – Today, Chispa Arizona and the Sierra Club, Grand Canyon Chapter hosted a press conference and delivered more than 5,000 petitions in support of the Clean Power Plan to Governor Doug Ducey’s office, urging him to implement a strong plan for the state.
“The delivery of more than 5,000 petitions shows just how important this issue is to our community,” said Chispa Arizona, Program Director Pedro Lopez. “The number of individuals interested in protecting the environment continues to grow due to efforts like ours to educate our community on the Clean Power Plan and the negative impact of climate change.”
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan that was finalized late last year, places the first-ever national limits on the amount of carbon pollution power plants can spew into our air. Implementing the Clean Power Plan will provide broad public health benefits to all populations across the country, but particularly for those populations that are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and air pollution. Communities in close proximity to the affected power plants include a higher percentage of low-income communities and communities of color when compared to the national averages. Communities of color are relying on a strong implementation of the Clean Power Plan, which will benefit these communities by protecting public health, creating jobs, keeping our air clean and combatting climate change.
“It’s great to see all our volunteers and supporters who came out to deliver these petitions,” said ChispaArizona, Program Director Pedro Lopez. “The community truly cares about our environment and they are willing to hold Governor Ducey accountable for implementing a strong Clean Power Plan that will benefit communities across the state.”
“Arizona has a great opportunity to develop a strong plan to comply with the Clean Power Plan and reduce pollution that harms our communities and our health,” said Sandy Bahr, chapter director for Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon (Arizona) Chapter. “It is imperative that our plan address environmental justice and protect vulnerable communities. We are calling on Governor Ducey to make sure we have a strong plan that serves all Arizonans.”
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Chispa Arizona (Chispa means “spark”) is a program of Chispa to ensure Latino families are a powerful voice in combatting climate change and calling for clean air and a clean energy future for Arizona. Visit facebook.com/ChispaAZ or follow us on Twitter @ChispaAZ
Sierra Club is one of the country’s oldest grassroots environmental organization with more than 35,000 members and supporters in Arizona as part of the Grand Canyon Chapter. Addressing climate change is a key Sierra Club priority locally, nationally, and internationally. Learn more at http://www.sierraclub.org/arizona and https://www.facebook.com/Sierra-Club-Grand-Canyon-Arizona-Chapter-182816565101809/.