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Senate Democrats from energy-producing states blasted the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to rein in carbon emissions from power plants —
“While it is important to reduce carbon in the atmosphere, this should not be achieved by EPA regulations,” Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., said in a release. “Congress should set the terms, goals and timeframe.”
Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., also criticized the proposed rule.
“There is no doubt that seven billion people have had an impact on our world’s climate; however, the proposed EPA rule does little to address the global problem with global solutions,” Manchin said in a statement. “Instead, today’s rule appears to be more about desirability rather than reliability or feasibility, with little regard for rising consumer prices, the effects on jobs and the impact on the reliability of our electric grid.”
Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., was also cautious in her response, saying she is still looking at the rule.
“Today, coal produces 40 percent of the electricity in the U.S., and nearly 80 percent of the electricity in North Dakota,” Heitkamp said, “I’m still reviewing this extensive rule to determine the impact on the U.S. and North Dakota.
Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, one of a group of vulnerable Democrats, “From the initial review of materials released today, this rule exempts all of rural Alaska, but could impact a handful of Railbelt power plants,” Begich continued. “I will work closely with both the EPA and the State of Alaska to ensure that any final rule is flexible and protects Alaska businesses and families.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat who represents manufacturing-heavy Ohio, stressed that states need flexibility to address carbon emissions and climate change.
“Proposals to reduce climate change must give states the flexibility to increase energy efficiency, improve our air quality, and invest in clean energy technology at our power plants, homes, and businesses,”
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