WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Tom Udall, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to reduce greenhouse gas producing pollution from power plants to 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030:

"We've seen the impacts of climate change firsthand here in New Mexico. Prolonged droughts, more frequent wildfires and increased threats to forests and agriculture present some of the biggest economic and public health challenges we face in our state and nation. And when we're faced with problems, we roll up our sleeves and solve them.

"Today's proposed clean power rule is designed to help provide what every New Mexican wants for our children: clean air, fresh water and good health. And it allows each state to shape our own path to lower carbon emissions. I've always said we need a 'do it all, do it right' strategy to balance traditional energy with new energy sources. Let's seize this opportunity to spur innovation and job creation, strengthen industries New Mexico does well, like solar, wind and biofuels, and build a clean energy future for the generations to come."