Feinstein cosponsors "Clean Power Act"; opposes "Clear Skies"

[Liberty Belle]

I was pleased to receive this letter from Senator Feinstein. Though I've disagreed with many things she's done, I'm glad to see she is on the right side of the debate over air pollution. -- LB


Dear XXXX,

Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to the
"Clear Skies Act." I appreciate you taking the time to share with me
your views on this important issue.

As you know, the "Clear Skies Act,@ (S. 131) would regulate
nitrous oxides (smog), sulfur dioxide and mercury, but not carbon
dioxide, the worst greenhouse gas from power plants. In addition, it
would actually undercut the current Clean Air Act requirements by
allowing more nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide to be emitted by power
plants than the current law.

For these reasons, I have cosponsored Senator Jeffords "Clean
Power Act." This legislation seeks to amend the Clean Air Act to require
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
develop regulations which reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
oxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury from power plants by January 1,
2009. I believe this legislation would be more effective than the "Clear
Skies Act" since it also seeks to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, a
greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere.

Currently, the "Clear Skies Act" has been placed before the
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Although I am
not a member of this committee, please know that I oppose this bill and
support real reductions in greenhouse gases from power plants.

Again, thank you for your letter. I hope you will continue to
write me about issues that are important to you. If you have any
additional comments or questions, please feel free to contact my
Washington, D.C. staff at [phone].

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

http://feinstein.senate.gov