Blumenthal Statement on President Obama’s Plan To Prepare U.S. For Impact of Climate Change

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) issued the following statement after President Obama outlined his plan to combat climate change and finalize EPA rules governing greenhouse emissions:

“President Obama’s speech today is an important step in refocusing our national attention on the critical issue of climate change.  Anyone who questions whether we must act needs not look beyond the recent rash of unprecedented severe weather events that have devastated communities across the country. From Superstorm Sandy, which wrought havoc in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, to last month’s lethal, destructive Oklahoma tornados, severe, large-scale weather is the new normal. Our federal government needs to take common sense measures such as increasing energy efficiency standards and working with local communities in Connecticut to mitigate the adverse  impacts of climate change. Without our immediate attention and this effort from President Obama, we will continue to suffer the effects of inaction.

“Today it is also important to remember that Gina McCarthy’s nomination to head the EPA is stalled by paralyzing, partisan gamesmanship in the Senate. My former Connecticut colleague is well-respected in the environmental and business communities for her dedication to developing practical solutions to environmental challenges. She is a natural and necessary partner in the effort President Obama outlined today, and I urge my colleagues once again to act immediately to approve her nomination.”