Donald Trump and Scott Pruitt Willfully Ignore Science, Public Opinion and Moral Compass

Repealing the Clean Power Plan leaves the United States adrift and alone when it comes to responding to the biggest threat facing birds and people.

WASHINGTON — “There are numerous paths to reach a clean energy future, but none-of-the-above isn't one of them. Taking the Clean Power Plan off the table is a nothing less than a crime against our children and against wildlife. Shame on Pruitt and the President,” said David Yarnold (@david_yarnold), Audubon's president and CEO, in response to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announcing the repeal of the Clean Power Plan.

"That's reckless and let's call it what it is: helping rich polluters get even richer. 

“As the voice of birds, Audubon speaks for the 314 species that are at risk because of climate change. Birds have always been nature’s messengers and they’re already telling us that we need to be acting with urgency." 

Today in Washington, EPA Administrator Pruitt will formally sign a proposed rule repeal the limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, the source of approximately one-third of American carbon pollution.

“It’s a shame that in a time when most Americans support limits on carbon pollution, the White House keeps moving in the opposite direction,” said Matthew Anderson, Audubon’s VP for climate.

“We know there are Republicans, Independents and Democrats all across the country who want Washington to stop sticking its head in the sand and address the single largest threat facing birds and people. When will the White House listen to the American people? As part of the rule changing process there will be an opportunity for public input—you can be sure we’ll be reaching out to our 1 million members to weigh in and make their voices heard.

“Audubon will continue working at the local, state and federal level to fight for meaningful climate solutions in every possible way.”

In 2014, Audubon published its Birds and Climate Change Report. The study shows that more than half of the bird species in North America could lose at least half of their current ranges by 2080 due to rising temperatures. These species include the Bald Eagle, the American Kestrel and the Bullock’s Oriole. Given the urgent threat climate change poses to birds and people, Audubon supports common-sense, bipartisan solutions that reduce carbon pollution at the speed and scale necessary.

To learn more about Audubon’s Climate Initiative, including how members and supporters can take steps to help birds in a changing climate, please visit www.audubon.org/climate.

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more at www.audubon.org and @audubonsociety.

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Contact: Nicolas Gonzalez, ngonzalez@audubon.org(212) 979-3068.