By: Danielle Berkowitz-Sklar, National Field Events Coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force
Date: June 15, 2023
About: Environmental Protection Agency Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2023-0072
To: Environmental Protection Agency
Hello. My name is Danielle Berkowitz-Sklar, and I’m the National Events Coordinator for Moms Clean Air Force, a community of over 1.5 million caregivers that have joined forces to protect the health of families, youth, and vulnerable communities from climate change and air pollution.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today in support of finalizing the strongest possible standards of EPA’s Carbon Rule and the inclusion of measures that maximize community involvement and protections.
I grew up in Costa Rica, where I had the privilege of living close to nature and becoming actively involved in conservation efforts at a very young age. Alongside my siblings, I founded an environmental organization dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems through community-based and science-based initiatives.
I worked alongside youth living in underserved communities and on the frontlines of environmental degradation and witnessed the devastating effects of climate change on our surroundings. For instance, that of rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification on vibrant coral reefs, transforming them from colorful wonders into pale and lifeless structures. Coral bleaching not only robs these ecosystems of their beauty that present and future generations will not be able to enjoy, but also puts coastal protection, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of local communities at stake. These ecosystems are diminishing in coverage—largely due to global warming—which impacts the health and well-being of people, particularly in low-wealth and rural communities.
Recognizing this interconnectedness of people and environment, I sought to continue my advocacy in climate change and environmental justice by joining Moms Clean Air Force just last year.
As we know, fossil fuel power plants contribute 25% of US greenhouse gas emissions that are fueling climate change all around the world.
The moment is now to change these devastating numbers. I appreciate the challenging yet very unique position of EPA to finally ensure that power plants are held accountable for the climate pollution they emit. The rules could result in the avoidance of up to 617 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide through 2042.
Importantly, we must advocate for the different pathways to emissions reduction to put the right to safety and self-determination of impacted communities at their core and ensure that the solutions do not further harm communities or exclude them from decision-making processes.
Therefore, I wholeheartedly support the implementation of the cleanest and most dependable methods to decrease climate-related emissions—and it is uplifting to know that we have ample sources of clean, renewable, and sustainable energy options such as wind and solar power. Our focus should be on accelerating these energy solutions, which have already proven to be people and environment friendly.
I appreciate the opportunity to speak today and voice my support for implementing stringent limits on new and existing fossil fuel power plants that are causing harm to people and ecosystems worldwide every day.
It is critical to prioritize the health and safety of families, and this rule represents a significant step in that direction. Thank you for your work and for your time today.