Palmer Opposes Expensive, Job Killing EPA Power Plant Rule

For Immediate Release

Washington D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) opposes the rule announced by the Obama Administration that would force power plants to make major cuts to carbon dioxide emissions. Experts say it will be one of the most costly rules of all time.

"The EPA's release of its final rule to regulate emissions from power plants continues the overreaching, agenda-driven policy that we have seen frequently from the EPA under this administration," Palmer said. "American workers and their families, particularly the most economically vulnerable, can ill afford the real-life costs of this rule, which will result in significant utility rate increases and lost jobs with little to no measurable environmental impact. With my support, the House has already taken action by passing a bill to delay this costly rule, which faces serious legal challenges. I will continue to work to fight this rule and protect the American people from this costly agenda."

The final rule mandates that power plants cut an average of 32 percent of their carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. The EPA estimates that it will cost more than $8 billion per-year. Other estimates are higher. According to the NERA, an economic consulting and analysis firm, this proposal would cost between $41 and $73 billion per year. In either case it would be one of the most costly rules of all time. In June, the House passed H.R. 2042, The Ratepayer Protection Act, by a vote of 247-180. The act would delay the implementation of the rule until all judicial and administrative reviews are final and no longer eligible for appeal.

For any additional questions, contact:

Cliff Smith, (202) 225-4921, clifford.smith@mail.house.gov

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) serves on three Congressional committees: Oversight and Government Reform, Budget, and Science, Space and Technology. Visit Palmer online at his website or via Facebook,Twitter, or Instagram.