Madison – Governor Walker announced in last night’s State of the State address that he will ask Attorney General Brad Schimel to sue the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over proposed standards limiting carbon pollution from existing power plants.

The EPA’s Clean Power Plan is the most important step we’ve taken to address the threat of climate change. We already have safeguards in place for pollutants like arsenic, mercury and lead, and the Clean Power Plan finally limits the amount of carbon pollution that power plants spew into our air. In Wisconsin, 40% of carbon pollution comes from coal-burning power plants.

“Governor Walker’s latest attack on clean energy is further evidence that he is in denial about climate change and the threats it poses to the people of Wisconsin. While he’s doing the bidding of polluters, voters are taking note of his lack of vision for a clean energy future,” said Anne Sayers, Program Director for Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.

“Governor Walker is trying to score political points with his polluting allies by putting his national ambitions ahead of what’s right for Wisconsin,” said Bill Holland, State Policy Director for League of Conservation Voters. “Instead of fighting this popular proposal, Governor Walker should be embracing the opportunity to make a plan that works for Wisconsin and makes it a leader in the clean energy economy.”

Governor Walker’s announcement comes just days after 2014 was officially named the hottest year on record. It’s the latest in a long string of Governor Walker’s anti-conservation actions. Under Governor Walker, Wisconsin wind production has plummeted, installed solar capacity has dropped to 28th in the nation, and the wheels are now in motion to expand our pipelines and begin transporting tar sands.

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Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to electing conservation leaders, holding decision makers accountable and encouraging lawmakers to champion conservation policies that effectively protect Wisconsin’s public health and natural resources.