June 12, 2012

Manchin Supports Effort to Rein in EPA on New Power Plant Rule

Resolution of Disapproval would stop EPA from moving forward with new rule that hurts jobs, electric grid, utility prices

Republican Senator Inhofe thanks Senator Manchin on the Senate floor for his support

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about an upcoming vote on a Congressional Joint Resolution of Disapproval that would stop the Environmental Protection Agency from moving forward with a new rule that hurts jobs in West Virginia and around the country. 

The EPA’s stringent new rule, known as Utility MACT, was finalized in December and would require power plants to comply within an unrealistic timeframe. The consequences of the rule include thousands of lost jobs, an unstable electric grid and skyrocketing utility prices for families and businesses. 

“From the day I arrived in the Senate, I have been determined to stop the EPA’s jobs-killing agenda, and this Resolution of Disapproval takes an important step to rein in this out-of-control agency,” Senator Manchin said. “The EPA needs to be our ally, not our adversary, and work with states like West Virginia that can produce domestic resources to make this country less dependent on foreign energy and more secure as a nation. I’m very hopeful that in the coming weeks we will finally be able come together across the aisle to bring a balance to our environment and economy – and develop a true comprehensive energy policy.” 

Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.) filed the Resolution of Disapproval (S.J. Res. 37) under the Congressional Review Act and thanked Senator Manchin today in a speech on the Senate floor for his support for the measure. Senator Manchin was presiding at the time that Senator Inhofe delivered his remarks. 

“A growing number of elected officials are working across the aisle to save coal and the first Senate Democrats are beginning to come aboard. I want to commend Senator Joe Manchin, who happens to be occupying the chair at this time,” Senator Inhofe said on the floor. 

###