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EPA Head: Climate Change An "Economic Issue" For Aspen

Marci Krivonen

The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told a small crowd in Aspen Thursday that action on climate change is needed now. Administrator Gina McCarthy timed her visit with the Winter X Games, to reach a younger crowd.

McCarthy’s visit was in conjunction with Protect Our Winters, a climate change advocacy group led by snow sports athletes. Standing next to the ski gondola, McCarthy emphasized how action on climate change is critical to economies like Aspen’s.

"Having snow here is an important thing. It’s not just important for the athletes that come here and for the families that come, but it’s an economic issue for this local community."

McCarthy was joined by the head of the Aspen Skiing Company and X Games athletes. Snowboarder Alex Diebold visited McCarthy in Washington last fall, to urge action on climate change.

Credit Marci Krivonen
McCarthy's visit was timed during the Winter X Games. She'd like to reach a younger audience with her message on climate change.

"I think this is a really cool opportunity to have her come out here and witness what we’re doing. X Games is one of the most premiere events in winter sports and we have a lot of the top athletes from around the world here, and those athletes have a broad reach."

McCarthy’s agency is implementing President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, which calls for reducing pollution from power plants and cutting energy waste in homes and businesses.