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Catskill Center denounces SCOTUS environmental ruling

Posted 7/5/22

CATSKILLS REGION — The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, a not-for-profit organization based in Arkville that works to preserve the natural environment of the Catskill region …

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Catskill Center denounces SCOTUS environmental ruling

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CATSKILLS REGION — The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, a not-for-profit organization based in Arkville that works to preserve the natural environment of the Catskill region and foster sustainable economic development, responded  this week to a consequential environmental ruling by the  Supreme Court of the United States.

The Court ruled on Thursday in a case that Limits the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Authority to Regulate Power Plant Emissions.

“The Catskill Center is appalled and dismayed by [Thursday’s] ruling. This decision will set back the environmental gains of the past 50 years, and it deals a serious blow to efforts to address climate change across our nation and around the world,” the statement read.

“Here in the Catskills, we are surrounded by the pristine beauty and entirety of the Catskills ecosystems that are now in danger, once again, from pollution — acid rain and air contamination — that will result from coal-fueled power plants. Our region’s ecosystems are also in danger from ongoing, and now likely worsening, climate change impacts, which have already had direct, negative impacts on our region, such as flooding and the burdens placed on marginalized communities. Make no mistake, the ruling is also a strike against human rights, restricting a federal agency (Environmental Protection Agency) from moving toward cleaner air.”

The Catskill Center said the ruling “flies in the face” of New York State’s efforts to combat climate change.

“It is particularly jarring on the eve of the State’s comment period coming to a close on an ambitious draft climate plan to cut carbon emissions and steer away from fossil fuels. Although New York State is a leader in environmental quality, the issue of greenhouse gas emissions is a national one, as pollution knows no boundaries.”

The Catskill Center called for strong actions by “both politicians and responsible corporations and consumers” to protect the region from the impacts of climate change and pollution.

“We call on Congress to prioritize clear legislation giving the EPA the express authority it needs to regulate emissions that cause pollution and climate change.”

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