Madison, Wisconsin – Today, the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters praised the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, a common sense regulation to cut carbon emissions from power plants. The Clean Power Plan will avoid up to 3,600 premature deaths, lead to 90,000 fewer asthma attacks in children, and prevent 300,000 missed work and school days. By 2030, the net public health and climate-related benefits from the Clean Power Plan are estimated to be worth $45 billion every year, and it is projected to cut the average American’s monthly electricity bill by 7% in 2030.

 “The Clean Power Plan is the single biggest step we have ever taken to combat climate change and protect public health. These historic standards will ensure that big polluters can no longer spew an unlimited amount of carbon pollution into our air,” said Kerry Schumann, Executive Director of Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters. “We urge Senator Johnson and Governor Walker to drop their opposition and support the Clean Power Plan, taking advantage of the flexible framework which allows Wisconsin to craft the solutions that works best for us. Wisconsin’s leaders should seize this opportunity to safeguard our health and environment while creating jobs and growing our clean energy economy.” 

 Last week, the national League of Conservation Voters launched a new ad campaign aimed at holding Senator Ron Johnson accountable for opposing the Clean Power Plan. With the EPA’s final Clean Power Plan rule and related votes in Congress expected soon, the ads call upon constituents to contact Senator Johnson and urge him to vote against any bill that would stop or delay implementation of these important pollution safeguards.

“Despite the wealth of evidence, Senator Ron Johnson and Governor Walker are doubling down on their support of unlimited carbon pollution,” said Gene Karpinski, President of League of Conservation Voters.  “Senator Johnson has repeatedly voted to protect big polluters’ tax breaks and allow them to keep spewing unlimited carbon pollution into our air.  Governor Walker has strongly criticized the Clean Power Plan.  These positions are dangerous, irresponsible, and put the people of Wisconsin’s health at risk.

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