Nick Rahall: “I thank the distinguished ranking member again. The proposed greenhouse gas rule for new power plants may be the mother…”

“I thank the distinguished ranking member again. The proposed greenhouse gas rule for new power plants may be the mother of all anti-coal regulatory measures so far promoted by this particular EPA. It spells curtains for the development of new coal- fired capacity in this country. That means decreased energy reliability and increased costs for American families and businesses. What is more, the agency readily admits that the new regulations will have nearly zero impact on the emissions of greenhouse gases as economies around the globe continue to grow their use of coal power. That is why this legislation is so important. It would block the EPA from unilaterally imposing these caps, requiring that any such efforts be approved by the Congress. It would help set a course for the development of cutting-edge CCS technologies needed to ensure reliable, affordable coal-fired energy for America throughout the foreseeable future. For those of us from coal country, this legislation is fundamental to preserving the jobs of our coal miners, those who work hard every day, going beneath the bowels of this Earth to produce the energy that fuels this Nation and the economies of our communities and, indeed, a national energy security for the United States. I urge support of this legislation.”