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Warning of grave economic consequences, a group of 20 governors wants Congress to block the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

Steven L. Beshear

“We feel compelled to guard against an approach that would increase the cost of electricity and gasoline prices, manufactured products, and ultimately harm the competitiveness of the U.S. economy,” the group said in a letter released March 10.

The letter was directed to the Democratic and Republican leaders in the House and Senate. The signatories were primarily Republicans, with two Democrats―Steven L. Beshear of Kentucky and Joe Manchin III of West Virginia—also signing.

The action reflects a growing chorus of concern from some elected officials about the economic effects of EPA regulation, which agency officials have said could start as early as January if Congress does not act on a climate change bill.

At least three bills or resolutions have been introduced in Congress to block EPA. The governors said one authored by Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., that would halt the regulatory process for two years, is inadequate.

“A simple delay of EPA action will do nothing to provide relief to Americans looking for jobs or businesses looking to make new investments in our states. Furthermore, such delay of EPA action only creates more uncertainty in a difficult fiscal environment,” the governors said.

While they said the agency should offer input and advice into greenhouse gas regulation, they want the task of developing climate policy in the hands of elected officials at the state and national levels.

“There is no question that broad bipartisan support exists to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while taking into consideration the difficult fiscal situation that our states and the nation face,” they said.

Kirk Johnson, NRECA vice president of energy and environmental policy, said the governors’ letter adds another perspective from elected officials to the debate.

“The Clean Air Act was never designed or intended to be used to regulate greenhouse gases from stationary sources,” he said. “We will continue to work with Congress to prevent the act from being used as a vehicle for that purpose.”

Tags: Climate Change, Environmental Protection Agency, Greenhouse Gas