Local Governments Stand with the Administration on Clean Power Plan, Renew Support

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National League of Cities (NLC), on behalf of local leaders across the country, reaffirmed its support for the Obama administration's Clean Power Plan (CPP) after yesterday's Supreme Court action to temporarily halt implementation of the plan. In December, NLC signed on as an amici curiae ("friend of the court") to a motion in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in support of the CPP.

"The impacts of climate change are felt first in our communities," said National League of Cities President Melodee Colbert-Kean, councilmember, Joplin, Mo. "Climate change is already having an impact on our cities' economies, infrastructure and public health. It is disappointing that the Supreme Court has delayed progress on regulating emission standards. We are hopeful that ultimately the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will rule in favor of the Clean Power Plan to help keep our communities safe and sustainable for future generations."

In the absence of strong federal standards and national policy, cities have continued to lead the way on climate change action. At the recent 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21), NLC was a partner of the largest delegation of U.S. cities that attended the Paris convening. More than 117 United States mayors have joined the growing movement of cities worldwide committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and taking further local action against climate change.

"Cities will continue to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, but we need a federal partner to truly make a difference in our communities," said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and executive director, National League of Cities. "Yesterday's action by the Supreme Court is a huge setback in a time of growing momentum among local leaders to work together to solve many of our most pressing climate challenges."

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SOURCE National League of Cities

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