The Catskill Center is appalled and dismayed by the June 30 ruling [by the U.S. Supreme Court on power plant emissions]. 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.  

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 (the Environmental Protection Agency) from moving toward cleaner air. 

This 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. 

Once again we need strong actions by both politicians and responsible corporations and consumers to protect our beautiful and fragile region. 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. 

The mission of the Catskill Center is to protect and foster the environmental, cultural and economic well-being of the Catskill region. Learn more about them at catskillcenter.org.