.png)
WASHINGTON - Just when our economy is shrinking, President Obama wants to impose harsh environmental rules that will kill jobs, raise energy costs and impose new burdens on business.
One week after the government said the U.S. economy contracted in the first quarter, for the first time since 2011, Obama is calling for severe new coal emissions rules that many Democrats in Congress say will hurt their states and its economies.
They will result in widespread job losses with estimates of up to half a million workers, and likely much more than that if the new rules are fully adopted. Those jobs would come, first and foremost, from coal-mining states, but also from many industries that are heavily dependent on coal for their energy needs.
Nearly 20 states obtain more than half their electric power from coal-fired plants, according to the Energy Information Administration. The Chamber of Commerce says EPA's emission rules would cost businesses more than $50 billion.
The Environmental Protection Agency's new rules have infuriated Democrats in major coal-producing states, many of whom are facing tough elections this year at a critical time when Republicans are close to winning the six seats needed to take control of the Senate.
A typical example of the anger the EPA rules have sparked came from West Virginia's Democratic Secretary of State Natalie Tennant who's running for an open Senate seat. She promised voters Monday that she would "stand up" to Obama and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy "and anyone else who tries to undermine our coal jobs."
Similar criticism came from Kentucky Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes who is in a tight race to unseat Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in another pivotal coal state.
McConnell is attacking Grimes for accepting a $2,000 contribution from the president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, a leading backer of EPA stricter rules.
West Virginia Rep. Nick J. Rahall II, one of the GOP's chief targets this fall, says he will introduce legislation to block the EPA rules. And no doubt will be supported by a number of Democrats from coal states across the country, not to mention every Republican on Capitol Hill.
The legislative battle is shaping up to be a replay of Obama's doomed "cap and trade" clean energy proposal in his first term. That bill never saw the light of day, largely because of opposition from coal state Democrats.
The Republicans lost no time this week in mounting a barrage of automated calls against vulnerable Democratic senators seeking re-election in key, battleground states, including Alaska, Louisiana, Virginia, and Colorado.
Read the full story: www.townhall.com
Follow Larry Elder on Twitter
"Like" Larry Elder on Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment Policy:
The author of this blog will attempt to engage in conversation via the comments section whenever possible and recognize the 24/7 nature of the internet. Moderating and posting of comments will occur during regular operational hours Monday through Friday. Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and posted as early as possible, however admins and/or the author is unable to commit to replying to every comment posted.
This is a moderated blog. That means all comments will be reviewed before posting. In addition, it is expected that participants will treat each other, as well as the author and admin, with respect. Comments that contain vulgar or abusive language; personal attacks of any kind will not be posted. Comments that are spam or that promote services or products will not be posted. It is requested that all comments remain on topic.
The Elder Statement blog does not guarantee or warrant that any information posted by individuals on this blog is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. The Elder Statement blog may not be able to verify, does not warrant or guarantee, and assumes no liability for anything posted on this website by any other person. The Elder Statement blog does not endorse, support or otherwise promote any private or commercial entity or the information, products or services contained on those Web sites that may be reached through links on our Web site.
To protect individual privacy and the privacy of others, please do not include phone numbers, addresses or email details in the body of a comment. Such information will result in removal of a comment.
Thank you for your attention.
The Elder Statement