Murkowski Amendment Jeopardizes Public Health

As the debate over climate legislation intensifies in Washington, a new proposal by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) seeks to undermine the Clean Air Act, one of the most successful public policies in recent memory. This Dirty Air Act is being drafted in secret by Washington lobbyists working for big polluters to dismantle 40 years of progress that has greatly reduced pollution and its harmful health side effects. It also is a diversion from the real task before the Senate: to pass comprehensive clean energy legislation.

Despite recent polling showing overwhelming support among American voters for policies that limit carbon pollution and invest in clean energy sources, this proposal delays action needed now to minimize the hazard pollution poses to the health and safety of all Americans. Those who support this misguided scheme would have you believe they want to protect the air our children breathe and the water they drink.

Yet at the same time, the policy they propose will gut the very law that provides such safeguards. Three years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court mandated that the government determine whether or not greenhouse gases pose a danger to human health. After intense research, scientific debate and public hearings, it has become clear that carbon emissions do in fact pose a danger and must be curbed to protect the public. Murkowski’s latest action is trying to block the Clean Air Act’s authorization and prevent lawmakers from moving forward on legislative solutions. It only delays action that must be taken now to minimize the damage of carbon pollution.

Michigan and American cannot afford to be held hostage by partisan obstructionism. Experts warn that this misguided proposal will put even more Americans’ health at risk. Pollution in the air and water has dangerous side effects that have been documented for decades. A broad group of public health organizations have come out in opposition of this measure, because they know of its dangerous consequences. That’s why lawmakers created these safeguards in the first place – to protect Americans from harmful contaminants in drinking water and air. Nobody’s health should be held hostage to big polluters’ profits, and this scheme would do take us in that direction.

Instead of looking for ways to delay much-needed action, Senators need to work together on comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation to address the threats before us. Bipartisan frameworks already exist to help America transition to a clean energy future, and with strong support from the public.

It’s time Senators listen to doctors, scientists, researchers and medical experts who know the dangers that will occur if we turn back the clock and dismantle the Clean Air Act. The Murkowski proposal must be defeated so lawmakers can constructively work together to address the threat of carbon pollution. The health and well being of Michigan’s residents and abundant natural resources hangs in the balance.

Senator Debbie Stabenow does not support the Murkowski Amendment. Where does Senator Levin stand on this issue?