On the recordJune 24, 2015
Tonight the House will vote on the Ratepayer Protection Act, which is a response to the EPA's proposed 111(d) rule. The divide between what is right for job creation and the policies coming out of this administration continues to grow deeper. I have heard from countless farmers, manufacturers, businesses, and families who are concerned with the EPA's overreach and what it means for them. In February, Administrator McCarthy asserted that no EPA rule has ever cost a single job. This is absolutely absurd and demonstrates a myopia that is absolutely stunning. Outside of the national debt, the EPA, in general--and this proposed rule, specifically--represents one of the greatest threats to the economic prosperity of this Nation. Our economy is recovering, and many folks are just getting back on their feet. But with this proposed rule and many others, the EPA wants to rip the rug right out from under the American people. Families and businesses depend on access to affordable and reliable electricity. EPA's proposed 111(d) rule for existing power plants will increase rates by nearly 14 percent. North Carolina has already reduced CO<INF>2</INF> power plant emissions by 21 percent, without Federal regulations. So for this and many reasons, I urge my colleagues to support the Ratepayer Protection Act. ____________________
