On the recordNovember 10, 2011
I thank my friend for asking me that question, and I thank him so much for his answer to the previous question. I have visited those utilities. Let me mention one. Tanners Creek is down along the Ohio River. It is a facility that will have to retire many units under this proposal, at the cost of more than 60 jobs. These types of closures may result in increased energy costs for consumers and the loss of electricity that will flow into the grid, potentially causing blackouts or interruptions in electric supply. They are good citizens. They have plans to deal with their plants, to comply with these regulations. But they need more time to do it. They have also said: If we have to do this immediately, with all the plants all across the country, there is a shortage of equipment and contractors that are able to manufacture this type of equipment necessary and install it. That will drive up costs. As the Senator from West Virginia has said, all of this is borne on the backs of the taxpayers, those who receive utility bills, whether for residences or companies that receive bills that are producing in the Midwest. The Senator's State and my State--we make big stuff, such as cars, locomotives, airplanes, major airplane parts, and big machines--things at the industrial heart of America. So it takes a lot of energy to produce the kinds of products that are made in our States.…





