In Wake Of Supreme Court Stay, 4 Business Groups Urge States To Proceed With Clean Power Plan Efforts

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), Ceres, and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) released the following statements regarding yesterday's decision from the Supreme Court to stay the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan standards for carbon emissions from existing power plants pending litigation in the lower courts.

The groups are disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision, but remain confident that the DC Circuit Court will uphold the Clean Power Plan on its merits. The Clean Power Plan sends a clear market signal to the private sector to expand investment in innovative clean energy technologies, help grow small businesses, and create good jobs. The CPP acts as a boost to the transformation to a clean energy economy, but this transition is taking place independent of any one policy.  The groups urge states to continue to move forward with planning implementation of this important rule.

Richard Eidlin, Vice President of Policy for of American Sustainable Business Council, had the following statement:

"This Supreme Court decision represents a loss for every business concerned about how climate change will affect them and their communities. The business community is concerned about climate change – with nearly one in five small business owners saying it has already hurt their business, according to national, scientific polling. While this decision represents a stumbling block on the path to climate action, we believe it is only that. We hope that the courts will grant this rule an expeditious and fair hearing. If they do, there is no question the Clean Power Plan will be upheld, as it should be."

ASBC's full statement can be found on their website.

Bob Keefe, Executive Director of E2, said:

"This sends an unsettling message to millions of Americans who now earn their living in the clean energy sector.  It's equally unwelcome news to companies counting on smart policies like the Clean Power Plan to make long-term business decisions. Businesses and investors know, however, that this decision is a speed bump – and that momentum behind the clean energy industry will continue to build."

The full E2 statement can be found on website.

Lisa Jacobson, President of Business Council for Sustainable Energy, released the following statement:

"The Council is disappointed over the Supreme Court's decision to stay the Clean Power Plan.  The rule would build on what is already happening in the marketplace.  It allows states to meet their emission reduction targets with a broad portfolio of affordable and reliable technologies, including an array of energy efficiency, natural gas and renewable energy solutions."

The full BCSE statement can be found on their website.

Ceres issued a statement on the Supreme Court's decision found at this link on their website.

The American Sustainable Business Council www.asbcouncil.org advocates for policy change and informs business owners and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant, sustainable economy. Through its national member network, it represents more than 200,000 businesses and more than 325,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors.

Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) is a national, nonpartisan group of business leaders, investors, and professionals from every sector of the economy who advocate for smart policies that are good for the economy and good for the environment. Our members have founded or funded more than 2,500 companies, created more than 600,000 jobs, and manage more than $100 billion in venture and private equity capital. For more information, see www.e2.org or follow us on Twitter at @e2org.

The Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) is a coalition of companies and trade associations from the energy efficiency, natural gas and renewable energy sectors, and also includes independent electric power producers, investor-owned utilities, public power and commercial end-users. Established in 1992, the Council advocates for policies that expand the use of commercially-available clean energy technologies, products and services. For more information on the Council, please visit: www.bcse.org and download Sustainable Energy in America Factbook 2016 edition for the latest industry information.

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SOURCE American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), Ceres, and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), Washington, DC