Legislators label Obama-led effort a ‘job-crushing overreach’
CLEARFIELD – The U.S. Supreme Court decision to delay implementation of the federally mandated “Clean Power Plan” is being praised by State Reps. Matt Gabler
(R-Clearfield/Elk) and Tommy Sankey (R-Clearfield/Cambria) are both members of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The ruling stalls President Barack Obama’s attempt to impose carbon dioxide emissions limits on existing power plants.
“There is nothing ‘clean’ about this power plan, which would leave an undeniable mark on the local communities surrounding plants that would be forced to close,” Gabler said.
“Implementation of this job-crushing overreach would result in rising unemployment rates and increased electric bills for the very same middle-class families the Obama administration says it supports.”
The plan requires states to dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by the year 2030 through replacement of coal and fossil fuel-powered plants with facilities fueled by renewable energy, which is often subsidized by taxpayers.
“The court’s decision is a win for consumers and local economies throughout our nation where coal remains king,” added Sankey.
“Pennsylvania is the fourth-leading coal-producing state in the country and our mining industry is a major source of employment and tax revenue. We call on Gov. Tom Wolf and the Department of Environmental Protection to be mindful of those facts and halt state implementation of these regulations.”
Both legislators view the plan as an unattainable standard created by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Obama administration that has seriously hurt coal producers and is causing spikes in energy costs.
“Our abundance of coal makes Pennsylvania a major player in the energy field, as we are the largest net exporter of electricity in the country,” added Gabler.
“The industry has made extraordinary advances in addressing environmental issues through the use of waste coal that provides cheap, clean power while cleaning up many legacy sites. Implementing these regulations would make it harder, not easier, to clean up our streams and make improvements to our local environment.”