In-Depth: Recently, the EPA has indicated that it is unsure about extending deadlines for state compliance. This is problematic, because according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 34 states objected to the regulatory timeline, 32 warned of problems with reliably providing electricity, and 28 expressed concerns about compliance costs and economic impacts.

An energy economist testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee with a study that estimated electricity rates in 31 states that rely heavily on coal for energy would be 15 percent higher than they would’ve been without the new rules.

Sponsoring Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) defended his bill, saying it:

“Does not repeal the Clean Power Plan, nor does it preclude a state from moving forward and implementing the EPA’s rule. It simply allows states to prevent the proposed rule from imposing unnecessary economic hardship.”

In opposition to this bill, the League of Women Voters believes it:

“Strikes at the heart of the federal Clean Air Act by letting each state simply walk away from national clean air requirements, giving polluters free rein [sic] to continue to dump unlimited amounts of carbon pollution into our air.”

The House Energy and Committee Committee approved this legislation by a vote of 28 to 22, and has bipartisan support from 15 Republican and three Democratic cosponsors.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) Press Release
• House Energy and Commerce Committee Press Release
• House Energy and Commerce Committee Summary
• CBO Cost Estimate
• Politico
• Americans for Prosperity (In Favor)
• National Taxpayers’ Union (In Favor)
• PACE Energy Fairness (In Favor)
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce (In Favor)
• League of Women Voters (Opposed)
• U.S. News and World Report (Context)
  

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user PSNH)