Articles

In response to severe regulations proposed today by the Environmental Protection Agency on carbon emissions from new coal-fired power plants, U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis joined several House colleagues in introducing the Ensure Reliable and Affordable Energy Act.  The EPA proposal imposes a carbon emissions limit that is impossible for coal generated power to meet.  It would require all new coal-fired power plants to have carbon emissions capturing and sequestration systems that are not currently available in the marketplace. 

The bill would require that 80% of non U.S. global carbon emissions sources be regulated before carbon emissions regulations impacting fossil fuel power plants in the U.S. are enacted.  The regulations proposed by the EPA are ade facto ban on new coal-fired power plants in the U.S., which would then drive up the cost of electricity throughout the nation.

“This over-reaching regulation would prohibit any new coal-fired energy source in this country.  The result is higher energy costs for the hardworking Americans who are already struggling in these difficult times, and it will destroy valuable American jobs, especially in Wyoming.  And what do we get in return for this attack on our way of life?  A big fat zero.  President Obama can offer no proof of weather or climate impacts from his rule, he will not make a dent in global carbon output, and he will not reduce the use of coal around the world.  Make no mistake, with this proposal, the President is making plain that he is willing to sacrifice lower income Americans for nothing but a flight of fancy.”