Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement upon the Obama Administration’s release of its National Climate Assessment:

“Today’s politically charged climate report fails to change the bottom line that attacking affordable, reliable energy sources like coal-fired plants will result in higher energy costs for families – all with little discernible environmental benefit. While I agree it is important for sound science to inform policy, the issue is far from settled. Moreover, nearly two-thirds of Nebraska’s electricity comes from coal; my constituents – the administration’s chosen ‘losers’ in this battle – have a clear stake in the implementation of these heavy-handed regulations. 

“That’s why it’s so important for Congress to have a vote on these measures, rather than the president circumventing the American people with executive orders simply to appease liberal donors. Instead of implementing a costly regulatory regime on families, the administration should work with Congress on policies that lower consumer prices and strengthen our energy security.”

Earth scientist and Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Dr. Allison Macfarlane – appointed by President Obama – was asked at a hearing earlier this year what the NRC was doing to prepare for “extreme weather.” She responded, “I would not call these events extreme.  I would call them normal. They may be extreme because we have very limited experience on this earth with them, but they are normal events.”

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