With each day looking hotter than the next, campaigners say climate change is here and they’re worried. Catherine Flowers founded the Center for Agribusiness and Environmental Justice. “The 110 heat index will become more common if we don’t reduce emissions,” Flowers predicts, adding that Supreme Court ruling limiting EPA’s regulatory authority Excessive carbon emissions will not help this reduction. “It pretty much limits the role that the EPA can play in dealing with pollution,” Flowers explained of the high court’s action. EPA, in cooperation with states, can still regulate criteria pollutants such as nitrogen oxides. This new ruling says the agency will be limited in regulating carbon emissions. “That means power is shifting not just from departments and agencies to state and local government,” Flowers said. So now, more than ever, Flowers says action needs to be taken. Michael Hansen with the Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution agrees. “Large manufacturers and industrial users of electricity will need to help with this,” Hansen said. “They will need to step up to the plate and demand cleaner electricity from the power companies.” Hansen believes Alabamians can make a difference, too. “Reusable water bottles, reusable utensils, metal straws, help,” Hansen noted, adding that “you can do big things and small things that collectively have a big impact.” Hansen also believes that state leaders can help reduce those emissions, and that voters have the power to choose who will. Copyright 2022 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
