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June 26, 2013

Obama Unveils Climate Plan, Ties Keystone Decision To Carbon Impact 
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President Obama has unveiled a new climate plan featuring a series of
executive actions to tackle global warming. Speaking in Washington,
Obama said addressing climate change is a fight for the survival of
future generations.

President Obama: "The question now is whether we will have the courage
to act before it's too late. And how we answer will have a profound
impact on the world that we leave behind, not just to you, but to your
children and to your grandchildren. As a president, as a father, and as
an American, I'm here to say we need to act."

Obama confirmed he will impose the first limits on greenhouse gas
emissions from new and existing power plants. The move will not require
congressional approval, meaning Obama can bypass expected Republican-led
opposition. Obama also outlined a broad range of measures to protect
coastlines and cities from rising sea levels, and vowed to promote the
development of renewable energy. And in what some interpreted as an
indication he plans to reject the Keystone XL oil pipeline, Obama said
the project will be decided by its "net effects" on global warming.

President Obama: "Allowing the Keystone pipeline to be built requires a
finding that doing so would be in our nation's interest. And our
national interest will be served only if this project does not
significantly exacerbate the problem of carbon pollution. The net
effects of the pipeline's impact on our climate will be absolutely
critical to determining whether this project is allowed to go forward."

 

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