Groups Call Polluter-Funded Attack on Regional Climate Effort 'Frivolous'

ALBANY, NY (06/28/2011)(readMedia)-- In response to a lawsuit filed in New York State Supreme Court yesterday by a corporate interest front group and its allies looking to undermine the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), environmental and energy groups released the following statement:

"This out-of-state polluter-funded attack on New York and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is just the latest salvo in an ongoing campaign to gut climate policy at the federal and state levels. The lawsuit has no merit and is a frivolous waste of taxpayer money.

We are confident New York will prevail. Our state will continue to set an example for the nation, reducing pollution and saving consumers money on their utility bills while creating new jobs and growing the clean energy economy."

In 2008, 10 states launched RGGI to reduce climate pollution from power plants. To date, it is the nation's only enforceable effort for cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

To learn more about the benefits of RGGI, click here.

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For more information:

Erica Ringewald, Environmental Advocates, 518.210.9903

John F. Sheehan, The Adirondack Council, 518.441.1340

Dan Hendrick, NYLCV, 212.361.6350, ext. 206

News from:

The Alliance for Clean Energy - New York, The Adirondack Council, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York League of Conservation Voters, New York Public Interest Research Group, Pace Energy and Climate Center, Renewable Energy Long Island.