WYMT - House Passes Resolution To Push U.S. Congress To Block EPA Regulation

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WYMT - House Passes Resolution To Push U.S. Congress To Block EPA Regulation

Kentucky lawmakers are urging members of congress to ignore the new EPA greenhouse gas regulations.

On Tuesday legislators voted to petition the new rules.

While this resolution is not law binding, Kentucky lawmakers hope to have an impact when it comes to telling federal leaders how important coal is to our region.

It's the staple of Eastern Kentucky and lawmakers say the entire state depends on it.

"If you live in Louisville and you flip that switch on... you are using Kentucky coal. Without it I guess you'd be burning a candle," said State Representative Rick Nelson.

So Kentucky lawmakers passed a resolution that pushes the U.S. congress to block the new EPA greenhouse gas regulations.

"We need help for our coal mines and coal miners. That is our way of life for the last 100 years and I think it will be for the next 100 years," said Nelson.

Harlan County leaders say while there should be regulations, the new rules are too stiff for a weak economy.

"Every industry has a positive side of producing a product and a negative side. As long as they are managed through laws, we have an appropriate situation that we've managed for years," said Harlan County Judge Executive Joe Grieshop.

Officials in the region say they will continue to fight Washington to get the message across.

WYMT got a statement from Congressman Roger's office.

He calls these "job killing regulations" and says "Congress decides what the government can regulate-not an un-elected bureaucrat at the EPA."

Rogers adds he fully supports the Kentucky House petition.

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