Contact: Giselle Barry (Markey) 2022242742

Eben BurnhamSnyder (Markey 2022242742

Washington (October 29, 2013) - One year after Superstorm Sandy lashed the East Coast of the United States, Senator Edward J. Markey (DMass.), released the following statement calling for increased action to reduce the climatealtering pollution that is giving storms more power and raising sea levels.

"One year after Superstorm Sandy destroyed beaches, neighborhoods, and businesses, these same areas now exemplify a phenomenal resolve and spirit as they rebuild their lives. Even as the regions affected by the storm continues to recover, our nation needs to take stock of our efforts to protect ourselves from disaster.

"We know the pollution we pump into the sky raises the seas, heats them up, and gives storms more power. We need to cut carbon pollution to reduce the risk of more powerful storms and other impacts of climate disruption.

"We realize that climate change is already here, lapping at our doorstep, whether it is the beaches of New Jersey or the flooding rains of Colorado. That's why we also need to take action to protect our shores, our cities, and our nation to the impacts of a warming world that we can no longer avoid.

"The new rules to reduce pollution from new power plants put forward by the Obama administration will reduce the risk. There is more that must be done to expand clean energy, promote energy efficiency, and clean up old power plants.

 

"Even as we work to reduce pollution, we must also prepare for impacts that are already occurring. Cities and states have started to plan for rising sea levels and stronger storms. For example, just last week the Department of Interior gave $10.4 million in grants to fund the salt marsh and wetland restoration and flood resilience projects in Dartmouth, Chatham, Harwich, Yarmouth and Taunton in my home state of Massachusetts.

"Sandy was a tangible reminder of the reality of climate change. That it is here. That it is dangerous.

"It is time for us to realize that the worst is still preventable. That what is here is still manageable. And that it is up to us to do everything we can to take action and prevent the worst case scenario in the future."