Emily Pomilio, Sierra Club, (480) 286-0401, Emily.pomilio@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON DC – The states participating in the 2016-17 Program Review of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) hosted the first meeting of the year today to determine the future course of carbon pollution reductions in the region. Representatives from the nine participating states, and key stakeholder groups, discussed the latest assumptions for modeling of scenarios for reducing carbon pollution limits 2.5 to 3.5 percent annually from 2020 to 2030, along with other changes to the program’s structure.
In response, Mark Kresowik Eastern Region Deputy Director of the Sierra Club issued the following statement:
“With the current state of affairs at the federal level, it is more important than ever for states to do their part to reduce pollution and invest in a prosperous clean energy economy. We urge the RGGI leaders to choose the path that keeps states on track to reach their climate targets, reducing pollution at least five percent year over year from 2020 through 2030. This reduction, which is supported by a majority of voters in the region, will produce millions in revenue for the region, protect resident’s health, create jobs and help curb carbon pollution causing climate disruption.”
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