In a statement issued on Monday in response to US President Barack Obama’s new clean energy plan, the minister called upon some of the developed countries that are producing the most greenhouse gases to lead efforts against climate change.

“It encourages the adoption of wind and solar but allows states to rely too much on natural gas, another fossil fuel, to meet their targets”, they said. “It’s also the third-highest emitter of energy-related carbon dioxide in the country”.

Declaring climate change the greatest threat facing the world, Obama said lower carbon dioxide emissions would reduce Americans’ energy bills and improve the health of vulnerable populations nationwide.

Colorado is responsible for cutting 28 percent of its carbon emissions over the next 15 years.

State Senator Gary Forby of Benton says this is another potential blow to southern Illinois, which he says is already under attack by republican Governor Bruce Rauner. Earlier this year, Rounds sponsored the Affordable Reliable Energy Now Act – legislation to roll back the Clean Power Plan.

The US government has pointed out that the extreme weather than results in part from that pollution is already happening – in 2012, climate and weather disasters cost more than $100 billion.

“I agree with the president that we’re the first generation to feel its effects and we’re the last generation that can do anything about it”.

Among the legislation was a law passed in 2009, mandating a 25 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020.

Thirty-one states’ targets were loosened, but the tougher goals for the others make the overall plan more ambitious than the original proposal.

While Pence has been outspoken in his opposition, state environmental groups praised the new rules. In the past, many have said the area’s emissions levels and regulations were a barrier to economic recruitment.

The plan’s flexibility is an attempt to ensure its regulations do not interfere with the industry’s ability to maintain the reliability of the nation’s electricity supply. The tribe says they are in the process of doing a thorough review of the new rule before taking any action.