On the recordNovember 10, 2011
I strongly oppose Senator Paul's resolution of disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's, EPA, cross- State air pollution rule because I believe that it is an extreme measure that is anti-clean air and water, anti-jobs and business, anti- public health, and could potentially prevent EPA from protecting the public from cross-state pollution indefinitely. EPA finalized the cross-State air pollution rule on July 2011, establishing a cost effective program to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from coal-fired powerplants that negatively affect citizens in downwind States. The rule updates a 1997 Clean Air Act standard and replaces a 2008 standard that was struck down by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Because this rule replaces the vacated rule from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, if this resolution succeeds, by law EPA will not be able to issue a ``substantially similar'' rule, which means that supporting this resolution could prohibit EPA indefinitely from promulgating any rule to control cross state air pollution. This would be an enormous step backwards. Contrary to what those who support this Resolution would like you to believe, the cross-State air pollution rule is a very reasonable regulation. By 2014, EPA estimates this Rule will yield up to $280 billion in annual health and environmental benefits, far outweighing the $800 million in annual projected costs.…
