The resolutions, H.J. Res 71 and H.J. Res 72, were put forward by committee chair Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and condemn new EPA rules for new and existing power plants. The rules are meant to be a fundamental change to how the U.S. generates, distributes and consumes energy.
At issue are the EPA’s new standards regulating the energy sector’s output of harmful greenhouse gases as part of the Clean Air Act. Proponents champion the new rules as the first time America has set limits on carbon emissions from the energy industry.
The EPA’s rulings have found detractors on both sides aisle, though, with some environmental activists saying the standards do too little to avert ecological disaster while right-wing observers say the rules go too far.
If passed, Whitfield’s resolutions would essentially stand on the record as Congress expressing disapproval for the EPA rules. Whitfield cited concerns about the effect the rules would have on consumer costs and grid reliability.
“The EPA has become a rogue political arm of the White House,” Whitfield said. “Their broad assertion of regulatory authority in these rules goes far beyond what is authorized by the Clean Air Act. These resolutions serve to halt EPA’s unauthorized actions and ultimately are about protecting ratepayers across the country from increased electricity prices, reliability threats, and jobs.”
The Subcommittee on Energy and Power meets today at 1 p.m. EST in room 2322 of the Rayburn House Office Building to discuss the resolutions.
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