Like people around the world, our hearts were broken by the horrific violence against the people of Paris earlier this month. Now, our eyes turn to that great city with hope.
Today, world leaders from 190 countries are gathered in Paris, France, for the 21st “Conference of Parties.” Over the next two weeks, these leaders will work to forge a legally binding agreement aimed at preventing global warming from reaching unsafe levels (i.e. less than 2 degrees Celsius).
President Obama has positioned the United States as a leader in responding to climate change and heads to the conference with several recent achievements, including the EPA’s final Clean Power Plan, a historic agreement forged with China, and the rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline.
The Clean Power Plan will, for the first time, reduce greenhouse gas emissions spewed from our nation’s power plants by more than 30% by 2030. For several years NRCM and many others have been actively supporting President Obama’s effort to crack down on power plant emissions, the largest single source of carbon pollution in the United States. Without the Clean Power Plan, our country would have no grounds to join any climate agreement, much less lead one, and without the U.S. there could be no global climate agreement.
Just days ago, Maine’s U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King voted to defend the Clean Power Plan against a repeal effort by politicians backed by corporate polluters. Make no mistake, opponents don’t just want to unravel the Clean Power Plan, they want to block any global climate deal. The stakes could not be higher.
Maine residents and businesses have been taking action on climate change for years. That’s why we’re pleased to present this new video highlighting a few climate solutions already happening in Paris…Maine. And China, Poland, Denmark, and Sweden, Maine, too!
Maine and our region know that cutting carbon from power plants can be done—and provide benefit to our economy and lower energy costs at the same time—because we’re already doing it. Our Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a proven success, a model for other regions. It puts Maine on track to surpass goals in the Clean Power Plan. Plus, if you want help adding insulation or a heat pump to lower your home heating bills, you can thank RGGI, which is providing funding for critical Efficiency Maine programs.
Together we’re making a difference. From actions in our homes and businesses to policies like RGGI, Maine is showing the way. Our leaders, Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, are making national and global progress possible by refusing to side with corporate polluters.
Thank you to Maine’s Senators. Be sure to watch this video. We think it will inspire you and make you proud to be a Mainer at this historic moment!
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