MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Environmentalists are calling on Alabamians and residents to be more aware of the state’s carbon emissions. This came after the Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, did not have the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
As each day seems hotter than the next, activists say climate change is here and they’re worried. Katherine Flowers founded the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship and Environmental Justice.
“A heat index of 110 will become more common if we don’t reduce emissions,” Flowers predicted, adding that the Supreme Court decision that limited the EPA’s regulatory powers over carbon emissions will not help this reduction.
“It pretty much limits the role that the EPA can play in dealing with pollution regulation,” Flowers explained of the high court’s action.
EPA, in partnership with states, can still regulate criteria for pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. This new ruling says the agency will be limited in regulating carbon emissions.
“That means power is shifting not just from departments and agencies to state and local government,” Flowers said.
So now, more than ever, Flowers says action must be taken. Michael Hansen of the Greater Birmingham Stop Pollution Alliance agrees.
“Large manufacturing and industrial electricity users are going to have to help with that,” Hansen said. “They’re going to have to step in and demand cleaner electricity from the power companies.”
Hansen believes Alabamians can make a difference, too.
“Reusable water bottles, reusable utensils, metal straws, help,” Hansen noted, adding that “you can do big things and small things that together have a big impact.”
Hansen also believes that state leaders can help reduce those emissions, and that voters have the power to elect those who will.
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