WALORSKI, LAWMAKERS CALL ON EPA TO EXTEND COMMENT PERIOD FOR CONTROVERSIAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION STANDARDS

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

House lawmakers request 60-day extension to allow stakeholders to weigh in

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and seventy bipartisan House lawmakers today sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy requesting a sixty-day comment period extension for a controversial rule proposing new greenhouse gas emission standards for new power plants.

“As you know, the EPA’s actions have far-reaching implications, and this proposed rule affects not only coal and natural gas companies but also energy-intensive industries like manufacturing and construction as well as average American families trying to pay their electric bills,” wrote lawmakers.

This extension would allow stakeholders more time to examine the proposed rule and communicate future economic impacts that may negatively impact consumers. In some states, coal provides nearly 90 percent of electricity for utilities, businesses, and manufacturing. The proposed rule would contribute to future increases in electricity costs, stifling job creation and hindering economic growth.

House lawmakers have also introduced legislation to reign in overreaching EPA regulations and promote affordable energy production. On Wednesday, the Energy and Power Subcommittee passed the Electricity Security and Affordability Act, a bill co-sponsored by Walorski, with bipartisan support. This bill seeks to set achievable standards for coal-fired power plants and support energy independence.

Walorski Letter to EPA.pdf

Full Text of Letter:

January 15, 2014

The Honorable Gina McCarthy
Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20460

Dear Administrator McCarthy,

We are writing to request a sixty day extension of the comment period for the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule titled Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units (RIN 2060-AQ91).

Given the 2.5 million comments EPA received for the previous version of this rule and the many stakeholders who could be affected, we believe a comment period extension is appropriate.

As you know, the EPA’s actions have far-reaching implications, and this proposed rule affects not only coal and natural gas companies but also energy-intensive industries like manufacturing and construction as well as average American families trying to pay their electric bills.

Given that nearly forty percent of electricity in the United States is generated by coal, it is especially important to carefully consider both the short- and long-term ramifications of this proposal. In some states nearly ninety percent of electricity is coal-powered, so consumers could be especially hard-hit. We have already heard an outpouring of concern from constituents alarmed about this proposal’s impact on energy affordability, job creation, and long-term economic growth. Allowing stakeholders additional time to comment will ensure those wishing to share their views are able to do so and will enable the EPA to more fully consider public opinion.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to working with you to develop commonsense policies that protect our precious natural resources while creating jobs, lowering costs, and boosting our economy.

Sincerely,

Jackie Walorski

Member of Congress

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Mike Conaway Sam Graves

Chairman, Committee on Ethics Chairman, Committee on Small Business

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Michael McCaul Hal Rogers

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security Chairman, Committee on Appropriations

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Bill Shuster Lamar Smith

Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman, Committee on Space, Science,

& Technology

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Nick Rahall

Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

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Robert Aderholt Andy Barr