House Energy and Commerce Committee Passes Resolutions of Disapproval on EPA Power Plant Rules

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer announced today the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee passed two resolutions of disapproval relating to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) carbon dioxide rules. H. J. Res. 71, is a resolution of disapproval for the final 111(b) rule for new electric power plants and H. J. Res. 72, is a resolution of disapproval for the final 111(d) rule for existing electric power plants. Cramer is a co-sponsor of both resolutions of disapproval.

Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), Congress may introduce and pass resolutions of disapproval to overturn certain agency actions. The Senate passed similar resolutions of disapproval on Nov. 17. The resolutions are subject to Presidential veto.

"The EPA's regulations will cost thousands of North Dakotans their jobs and devastate our state's economy," said Cramer. "President Obama has singled out North Dakota by requiring the state's energy producers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an unprecedented 45 percent, which is dramatically higher than the 11 percent reduction proposed in the initial rule. North Dakota already has some of the nation's cleanest air, while producing some of the nation's most affordable electricity."

Cramer said it is disappointing President Obama continues to implement an extreme environmental agenda at the cost of thousands of good paying American jobs across North Dakota and the country. "In addition, forcing so many coal-fired power plants to shut down threatens the ability of the electric grid to meet our nation's energy demands. I will work with my colleagues to ensure these resolutions pass the full House and get the votes needed to overturn a threatened Presidential veto."

On Oct. 23, 26 states filed legal challenges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia challenging the final rule for existing power plants. North Dakota has filed its own separate lawsuits attempting to overturn the final rules for new and existing power plants.

In separate legislation on June 24, the House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 2042) which would ensure that states do not have to comply with the President's national energy tax until it is proven that it is legal. The House has also taken additional steps to curb the Administration's excessive red tape and protect small businesses and manufacturers, including the REINS Act (H.R. 427) and the Regulatory Accountability Act (H.R. 185). These bills are awaiting action by the U.S. Senate.

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