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Rep. Kelly Stands with PA Coal Alliance Against EPA Carbon Emission Proposal

January 9, 2014

WASHINGTON — Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) issued the following statement today in opposition to the New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) published yesterday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. The proposal has been heavily criticized by multiple energy organizations, including the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, for imposing harsh limitations on the coal industry and adversely impacting the jobs and economic benefits which it provides.

“The Obama administration’s war on coal is alive and well, and it is an unjust war against the hardworking Pennsylvanians who help heat our homes and keep our lights on. I’ve been to our mines, I’ve met with our miners and engineers — I know full well the great work they do for our families and neighbors. I also know that coal provides us with 40,000 direct and indirect jobs and 40 percent of the electric power in Pennsylvania alone. I share the deep concerns of the PA Coal Alliance and others and consider this regulation unfair, unworkable, and intolerable.

“This is a time when the entire United States should be experiencing an energy renaissance by taking full advantage of the abundant, affordable, and accessible treasure right beneath our feet. It is unconscionable that the federal government is instead not only attacking our nation’s existing power plants but essentially preventing new ones from ever being built. The bottom line is that the EPA’s proposal is devastatingly harmful and must not be permitted to stand.”

NOTE: Rep. Kelly is a member of the Congressional Coal Caucus. On October 29, 2013, he delivered a memorable address at the National Mining Association’s “Rally for American Energy Jobs” on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol which can be viewed here.

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