MEDIA ADVISORY: States to Host Their Own Clean Power Plan Hearings After EPA Ignores Requests

Washington, D.C.— After requests for additional public hearings in their states were ignored by the Environmental Protection Agency, several states will hold “People’s Hearings” on the proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan. Delaware, Maryland and New York will hold hearings over the next two weeks.

“States are taking matters into their own hands after EPA’s Scott Pruitt ignored multiple requests to host public hearings on his plan to dismantle the Clean Power Plan,” said David J. Hayes, executive director of the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center and former Interior deputy secretary. “While claiming to respect state-based environmental decision-making, Pruitt is pushing a federal override of carbon pollution solutions that progressive states have crafted under the Clean Power Plan. These hearings will provide a much-needed forum for more voices to show how implementing the Clean Power Plan will turbocharge a clean energy economy that brings investment, jobs and energy security. State attorneys general are doing everything in their power to defend the landmark Clean Power Plan and stand ready to sue if and when repeal is finalized.”

DELAWARE
WHO:
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)

WHAT:
A public meeting and listening session to allow Delawareans to voice their views on the EPA’s proposal to repeal the current plan to reduce carbon pollution from power plants.

WHERE:
Chase Center on the Riverfront
815 Justison St
Wilmington, DE

WHEN:
Monday, January 8, 2018
10:00am

NEW YORK
WHO:
New York State Office of the Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman
New York City Office of the Mayor, Bill de Blasio

WHAT:
New York City “People’s Hearing” on the repeal of the Clean Power Plan

WHERE:
The New School – Auditorium
66 West 12th Street
New York, NY

WHEN:
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Session 1 (2:30pm-5:00pm)
Session 2 (6:00pm-8:00pm)

MARYLAND
WHO:
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller
Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch

WHAT:
A hearing in Maryland on the Trump Administration’s proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan to address the environmental and economic impact on the State of Maryland of the proposed repeal and will ensure Marylanders’ voices are heard on this important measure.

WHERE:
Joint Hearing Room of the Legislative Services Building
Annapolis, MD

WHEN:
Thursday, January 11, 2018
1:00pm to 4:30pm

BACKGROUND
State attorneys general have vowed to sue if the Administration proceeds with repealing the Clean Power Plan. This fall, six state attorneys general sent letters to Administrator Pruitt seeking hearings in their states.

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About the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center:
The State Energy & Environmental Impact Center at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan academic center at NYU School of Law. The Center is dedicated to working towards a healthy and safe environment, guided by inclusive and equitable principles. The Center studies and supports the work of state attorneys general (AGs) in defending, enforcing, and promoting strong laws and policies in the areas of climate, environmental justice, environmental protection, and clean energy.