Electric Co-op Today

Congressional efforts to impose a two-year hiatus on federal regulation of greenhouse gases from stationary sources represent “a big step in the right direction,” NRECA CEO Glenn English said.

Sen. John D. Rockefeller

Bills introduced March 4 in the House and Senate would buy time for Congress to decide how to deal with the climate change issue, rather than leaving it to the Clean Air Act, said English, adding that the Environmental Protection Agency’s use of the act is the wrong tool to address climate change policy.

“We urge Congress to pass legislation to prevent that outcome as soon as possible,” English added. “It is the responsibility of Congress to decide this issue, not the Environmental Protection Agency.”

Rep. Rick Boucher

The Stationary Source Regulations Delay Act, authored by senior Democrats from coal-producing states, blocks EPA for two years from regulating carbon dioxide and methane from stationary sources, such as power plants, under provisions of the Clean Air Act.

The bill allows the agency to proceed with regulations on emissions from cars, trucks and mobile sources.

The Senate measure is sponsored by Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va. In the House, Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., is the lead sponsor, with Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., chairman of the Communications, Technology and Internet subcommittee, and Rep. Alan Mollohan, D-W.Va., as cosponsors.

Boucher’s involvement is noteworthy because, as a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, he was active in crafting a climate change bill that passed the House last June.

Tags: Climate Change Legislation, Environmental Protection Agency, Greenhouse Gas, Legislation