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Hirono Stands Up For Climate Action, Votes Down Republican Efforts To Undermine Obama Climate Plans

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, voted today against two resolutions to overturn standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency as part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to reduce pollution that harms public health and contributes to climate change. President Obama announced his intention to veto both resolutions.

“President Obama has taken important steps to clean our air and help reduce the harmful effects of climate change,” said Senator Hirono. “The Clean Power Plan will save thousands of lives nationwide annually. Instead of fighting Presidential actions that will have a huge benefit in the lives of so many, Congress should support efforts to address the environmental and national security consequences of continued dependence on fossil fuels and move forward with cleaner energy.”

The Clean Power Plan will reduce emissions from existing power plants. The EPA has deferred setting standards under the Clean Power Plan for Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. territories until the agency is able to gather additional information. The President's Climate Action Plan also sets nationwide performance standards for new or modified power plants.