Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed new standards that will limit industrial carbon pollution from new coal-fired power plants. The following statement is from Earthjustice President Trip Van Noppen:

“The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing precedent-setting standards to limit industrial carbon pollution from new coal-fired power plants, a strong step that will protect the health and welfare of Americans and fight global warming.

“The coal industry has long protested such standards, refusing to modernize and resisting newer technologies. EPA’s proposal will not only provide public health benefits, but also should spark innovation.

“Scientists recognize the strong link between burning fossil fuels like coal and global warming. Doctors, nurses and other health experts have long linked rising temperatures to increased smog that in turn causes more asthma and other lung diseases.

“We applaud President Obama and EPA Administrator Jackson for proposing these landmark standards to address pollution from new plants that will save lives in the future. We urge the administration to also begin the process of developing new standards to address carbon pollution from existing coal plants.”