NTU urges all Representatives to vote “YES” on H.R. 2042, the “Ratepayer Protection Act.” This legislation would provide recourse to states and consumers harmed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Clean Power Plan” rule, which would increase energy costs and kill jobs in many states.
The Clean Power Plan sets state-by-state reduction targets for carbon dioxide emissions from electricity production. To meet these goals, the plan requires states to submit compliance plans to the EPA for approval. For many states, especially those with fossil-fuel intensive electricity production, this will be an extremely burdensome and costly process requiring some electricity plants to be shuttered.
Forcing states to change from low-cost, reliable traditional fuels to high-cost, less reliable energy sources such as solar and wind power could cause energy prices to skyrocket. This would hurt not only individuals and families, especially low-income consumers who spend a greater proportion of their income on energy costs, but also manufacturers and industries which rely heavily on energy consumption. These businesses could be forced to relocate to states or countries with lower energy costs or close altogether.
H.R. 2042 would protect taxpayers from this massive EPA overreach in two ways: by extending the deadline for state compliance, giving more time for judicial review of what could be an unconstitutional rule, and by providing states with an opt-out mechanism if it is found that the plan will adversely impact ratepayers or the reliability of the state’s grid.
Implementation of the Clean Power Plan could create serious economic disruptions at a time when our nation can least afford them.
Roll call votes on H.R. 2042 will be significantly weighted in our annual Rating of Congress and a “Yes” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Affairs Manager Nan Swift at (703) 683-5700