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Rep. Kelly Issues Statement on Court Decision to Stop EPA Attacks on Coal

August 21, 2012

Rep. Kelly Issues Statement on Court Decision to Stop EPA Attacks on Coal

 

Washington, DC —U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) issued the following statement on today’s ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to strike down the Environmental Protection Agency’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule:

“Today’s decision affirms what people in coal country have known for years: the Obama Administration has been waging a war on coal ever since the president stepped into office.

“Despite the fact that roughly 40 percent of our nation’s electricity is generated by coal, the Obama Administration has tried to impose regulations that will limit production of this accessible and affordable source of energy, which will destroy tens of thousands of jobs and increase the cost of energy in America.

“The Court today struck down the final Cross-State Air Pollution Rule because it ‘exceeds the agency’s statutory authority,’ which simply means that the federal government overreached in its efforts to over-regulate.

“According to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the issue of ‘regulatory overkill’ could ‘threaten cost-effective and reliable provision of electrical services in our state.’  

“We’ve already seen power plants close throughout the Commonwealth, including the Third District’s own Armstrong Power Station.    

“These closings mean higher energy costs for Pennsylvania families and businesses that are already struggling to make ends meet.

“We need to stop the unfair attack on coal production in America for the sake of our economy, national security, and the hardworking families who are paying the price for this Administration's reckless and discriminatory policies.”

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