Hoyer: Republicans' Partisan Bill Ignores Dangers of Climate Change, Undermines Our Nation’s Efforts to Develop Cleaner Energy Alternatives

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after House Republicans passed a partisan bill to delay the Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation of the Clean Power Plan:

“I am disappointed that Republicans continue to pursue legislation that ignores the dangers of climate change and undermines our nation’s efforts to develop cleaner energy alternatives.  The partisan bill they passed today would effectively deny the Environmental Protection Agency the ability to do its job and craft commonsense regulations to help the worst-polluting power plants reduce their carbon output.  Under the Republican proposal, which President Obama has said he would veto, the EPA’s proposed rule to reduce carbon pollution could not take effect as long as any litigation is pending against it – virtually guaranteeing that one lawsuit after another would forestall its promulgation indefinitely.   At the same time, it provides individuals states with the chance to opt-out completely from new standards that aim to reduce carbon pollution from power plants by 30% by 2030. 

“Instead of partisan anti-environment bills that remove incentives to innovate for cleaner, renewable, and more affordable energy, Republicans ought to be working with Democrats to ensure that the EPA can do its job on behalf of the American people and our future generations.  I hope that Republicans and Democrats can come together in a bipartisan way to address climate change in serious and responsible way – and in a way that promotes innovation, economic competitiveness, and the growth of jobs.”