The Line: Cutting Carbon Emissions

August 7, 2015 – The Obama administration announced a new plan this week to cut carbon emissions across the country. The Clean Power Plan outlines specific goals for each state, including New Mexico.

Excerpt from President Obama’s announcement:

“We have a moral obligation to leave our children a planet that’s not polluted or damaged. The effects of climate change are already being felt across the nation. In the past three decades, the percentage of Americans with asthma has more than doubled, and climate change is putting those Americans at greater risk of landing in the hospital. Extreme weather events – from more severe droughts and wildfires in the West to record heat waves – and sea level rise are hitting communities across the country. In fact, 14 of the 15 warmest years on record have all occurred in the first 15 years of this century and last year was the warmest year ever. The most vulnerable among us – including children, older adults, people with heart or lung disease, and people living in poverty – are most at risk from the impacts of climate change. Taking action now is critical.”

What do these goals mean for New Mexicans? This week’s line opinion panelists share their views. Tell us what you think. Post your comments below or email the NMiF team (nmif@nmpbs.org).

LINE PANELISTS:
Merritt Allen, Vox Optima LLC
Sophie Martin, an attorney and editor of DukeCityFix.com
Rob Nikolewski, Watchdog.org
Stephen Spitz, New Mexico People, Places and Ideas on KUNM