GOP Senator Announces Support for Obama Climate Change Plan

Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) announced her support of a key Obama administration initiative on climate change — one that the rest of her party has been fighting for months.

President Barack Obama and Senate Democrats have been pushing the Clean Power Plan, an effort they say would reduce carbon emissions that could harm the environment and perpetuate climate change. Republicans oppose the legislation, saying it will hurt economic growth and kill jobs.

“After carefully reviewing this plan and talking with members of our business community, environmental groups, and other stakeholders, I have decided to support the Clean Power Plan to address climate change through clean energy solutions that will protect our environment,” Ayotte wrote Sunday in a press release. “New Hampshire is already well on its way to meet the goals of the Clean Power Plan through positive steps it has already taken.”

The New Hampshire senator added that she will “closely monitor” the plan’s implementation to ensure that it does not cause adverse economic effects in the state, and noted that many businesses have told her they support the Clean Power Plan.

As The Huffington Post notes, Ayotte’s re-election to the Senate next year will not be a walk in the park, as New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) is slated to challenge her.

[Featured image via Shutterstock / image via screengrab]

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