Yesterday Greenpeace held a rally in Virginia outside of the first of two EPA Endangerment Hearings that will take place this week. These hearings come about a month after the EPA announced its conclusion that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels endanger human health and welfare –  which by law gives the EPA the right to regulate those emissions under the Clean Air Act. The EPA's endangerment finding is a good sign that the Obama Administration might be willing to regulate greenhouse gases should Congress fail to act. The Administration is holding these public hearings through June as part of the public input process.

We showed up to yesterday’s hearing with banners reading, "The Science is Clear,” “Rescue the Climate,” and stood outside the hearing facility for all to see. From blocks away volunteers could be heard chanting: "EPA: today is the date. Rescue the Climate before it's too late!" We got honks from cars passing by and waves and shouts from supporters on foot. It was clear we didn't go unnoticed.  

With the same industry lobbyists inside the hearing as have been inside Congressional offices this spring, it's more important than ever that we are representing the movement and always reminding the media, the public, and elected officials that there is a human face to the impacts of climate change.

The next hearing is in Seattle on Thursday. We’ll be there too. Check back for an update!