WASHINGTON, DC – In response to Senator Mark Kirk statement indicating he would vote in favor of the Congressional Review Act resolutions on the Clean Power Plan, LCV Vice President of Government Affairs Sara Chieffo issued the following statement:

“We are deeply disappointed by Senator Kirk’s comments today that indicate he would vote for a radical resolution that permanently blocks the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. Unfortunately, this is part of a troubling pattern for Senator Kirk: he was the deciding vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee this past June to undermine these critical safeguards and he even questioned the science of climate change at the beginning of this year. 

“Illinois is already well on its way to meet its goals under the Clean Power Plan. Senator Kirk does not seem to appreciate the benefits these safeguards will bring to Illinois by creating jobs, growing the economy, and alleviating health problems like asthma attacks, which currently impact over 700,000 Illinoisans.  Kirk has put himself at odds with the majority of the state who support these common sense pollution limits and with leaders ranging from business to faith who all agree that the Clean Power Plan will grow Illinois’ economy and make our families healthier.”

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