Mayor Kenney today joined leaders from cities around the United States opposing the Trump Administration’s proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan (CPP).
The CPP is designed to cut carbon pollution from fossil-fuel-burning power plants, improving local air quality and reducing the causes of climate change already impacting our city.
“The Clean Power Plan is a critical tool in fighting climate change and providing breathable air for all Americans,” said Mayor Kenney. “The City of Philadelphia stands in favor of protecting our residents and against this decision by the Trump Administration.”
Mayor Kenney is joined in affirming the CPP by peers nationwide through the Climate Mayors initiative, which seeks to share best practices on cutting carbon pollution and protecting public health in U.S. cities.
“As Mayors representing cities of every size, we know firsthand that the costs of inaction are too great — our cities are on the front lines of super storms, floods, droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and public health challenges caused by climate change,” the group of mayors said in a statement. “That’s why we are committed to bold action to clean our air, strengthen our economy, and ensure a healthier future for our children and grandchildren.”
The CPP was first developed under the Obama Administration as part of America’s commitment to meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Accords. The City of Philadelphia committed to meeting the Paris goals following the Trump Administration’s withdrawal from that agreement, and recently released its first-ever Municipal Energy Master Plan (EMP) describing how the City can lead by example to cut carbon pollution.
“Philadelphia is already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate, and we know our city will face hotter and wetter weather in the years ahead,” said Christine Knapp, the City’s Director of Sustainability. “With inaction at the federal level, it us up to cities to lead, and Philadelphia is forging our own path to meet the challenge of climate change.”
The City issued an Environmental Action Guide earlier this year with opportunities to take action in response to decisions made by the Trump Administration, and will include more opportunities in its Clean Energy Vision later this year