Truth be told, this blog was a challenge to write.  There’s no way to make it short. The content is complicated and it was hard to put the “fun” and informative piece together.  But here’s the deal – it’s really important that we all slow down enough to read and understand what’s going on with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the new federal plan to improve the quality of the very air we breathe.  I wanted to title it “Mothers Everywhere – PLEASE READ AND SHARE” because mothers are the caregivers and want to be in the know when it comes to protecting the health of their children.  How about PARENTS everywhere? I invite you to grab a refreshing drink, put your feet up, and take a few minutes to read on and learn about something really important.

The Obama administration recently announced one of the strongest actions ever taken by the U.S. government to fight climate change – a proposed EPA regulation to cut carbon pollution from the nation’s power plants 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. The new regulations impose significant restrictions on power plants already in existence, including natural gas plants.

But there’s a plan and there are great benefits – to us, to our children and to the planet. It was a bold move and one which I applaud.

Here’s where the details kick in about specifics on the plan so please stay with me so that you can decide what you think.

The benefits of a newly proposed federal plan to cut carbon pollution are threefold.

Here’s the plan: The EPA’s Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants is intended to provide a healthier environment, trigger innovation and improve the economy.

We like plans that have multiple benefits. Yes?

The plan provides guidelines for power plants, by 2030, to cut carbon pollution by 30 percent of 2005 levels.

A primary benefit will be cleaner air and improved public health.  We ALL win.

A secondary benefit is that through state and federal partnerships, states will have the flexibility to develop their own innovative plans to meet the EPA’s requirements.

Another secondary benefit is that the proposed plan creates an impetus for increased energy efficiency, giving us a competitive edge that can lead to economic opportunities and new jobs.  People – we NEED this!

Are you asking yourself what can you do to be a part of the change?  How can you help make a difference? Great! We’ve got answers for you. Both Pima County and the City of Tucson have resources and information on their websites on how to reduce energy and water use and costs in homes and businesses. Remember, by reducing the amount of electricity and water we use, we also reduce the amount of greenhouse gas and other pollutants emitted to generate that electricity.

http://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?pageId=61259 (Pima County)

http://pdsd.tucsonaz.gov/pdsd/green-building (City of Tucson)

For additional tips on how Clean Air Starts With Me, visit www.pimacleanair.com

For more information on the proposed EPA plan, visit:

http://www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards/clean-power-plan-proposed-rule

Yes, I know there are quite a few links but guess what folks?  We now live in a “linked in” kind of world and I for one am really glad we do.  Because I want to know better, do better AND breathe cleaner air.