Washington, D.C. – Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions from new, existing, modified and reconstructed power plants. Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement in response to the Administration’s Clean Power Plan:
“Today’s unveiling of the so-called ‘Clean Power Plan’ is a continuation of this Administration’s war on jobs, electric reliability, and families nationwide struggling to make ends meet,” said Pearce. “This rule will undoubtedly raise electric rates for New Mexicans, which will be especially harmful for low income families and seniors on fixed incomes.”
“Further, the Administration is willing to sacrifice thousands of good paying American jobs for minimal environmental benefit. Forcing states to transition to renewable energy so quickly will cause the closure of critical coal plants that ensure the reliability of our nation’s electric grid. The mandated transition will increase power reliability issues, ultimately threatening the health and safety of our families and communities.”
NOTE: In the initial proposal, the Obama administration had mandated a 30-percent nationwide cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. The final version will require a more burdensome, 32-percent, cut. The NERA Economic Consulting group reported that the proposed rule would cost as much as $479 billion, and that it would drive up electricity rates by double digits in 43 states.