President Obama recently announced that new power plants would have to meet a stronger standard when it comes to the amount of pollution they put out into the air. The standard will require new plants to emit fewer greenhouse gases, or carbon pollution, into the air when they operate. And what this means is that new plants will be built cleaner and more energy efficient than current plants.

Why is this important?

It’s important because we can protect the health of our families and make sure that we have a healthier environment all while creating jobs and making America more competitive in the global economy.

Building new power plants that are cleaner and more energy efficient will drive innovation in clean technologies, accelerating the transition to a clean economy. Like the clean air standards before this one, the carbon pollution standard will build a foundation for economic growth across the country.

Building cleaner, more efficient power plants will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change poses a critical threat to our economy, whether it is the resulting food shortages, billions in disaster relief after severe and unexpected weather events, or health consequences like asthma. This standard will reduce the worst impacts of climate change, building a stronger and cleaner economy for the next generation.

How Can You Help?

First, you can send a comment to the Environmental Protection Agency to support the standard for new power plants. It is important to show President Obama and Congress broad support for this standard. Full-throated backing is vital to ensure the stability of this basic standard, and to provide the basis for more comprehensive action.

Next, tell your friends. Ask your friends to join you in sending a comment supporting this rule to the EPA.

Finally, get connected with the BlueGreen Alliance. Stay in touch with the BlueGreen Alliance and our work to build a cleaner, fairer, and more competitive American economy by “liking” us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

What is the BlueGreen Alliance?

The BlueGreen Alliance brings together the nation’s leading voices on jobs, the environment and a cleaner, more efficient economy. Launched by the United Steelworker and the Sierra Club in 2006, we now bring together eight of the nation’s largest labor unions and four of its most influential environmental groups to advocate for the creation of more and better jobs in a clean economy.

We believe that you shouldn’t have to choose between good jobs and a clean environment. As union members and environmentalists, we believe that, in the 21st century economy, you can and must have both. Together, we are working to create good jobs — jobs with family-supporting wages, secure retirement and health and safety on the job — in an American economy that fosters new industries like renewable energy, electric and hybrid vehicles, and broadband Internet, while making our economy cleaner and more energy efficient. Doing so will save consumers money and protect the environment for generations to come.