Blunt Makes Statement on the Affordable Clean Energy Rule
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement on Wednesday, August 22, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its proposed Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule:
“I’m pleased President Trump is moving forward with an all-of-the-above energy policy that will benefit Missouri families and help businesses compete in a global economy,” said Blunt. “The Obama administration’s energy regulations could have increased Missourians’ utility costs by double digits and made it harder for energy-intensive industries, like agriculture and manufacturing, to grow and create jobs. The EPA’s proposed rule paves the way for a smarter approach that reduces emissions, provides more flexibility to states, and promotes U.S. energy independence. I look forward to working with the administration as we continue our efforts to roll back excessive, unnecessary regulations and provide relief to Missourians.”
Missourians have historically relied on coal to power more than 80 percent of our electricity, and Blunt has consistently fought to protect Missouri families from the Clean Power Plan (CPP). According to a NERA Economic Consulting study, the Obama administration’s energy regulations would have added up to $39 billion in annual compliance costs.
Earlier this year, Blunt commended the EPA for holding a listening session in Kansas City, Mo., to hear Missourians’ feedback on the proposed repeal of the CPP. In October 2017, Blunt praised the EPA’s announcement that it would issue a new rule withdrawing the CPP.
In February 2016, the Supreme Court blocked implementation of the plan while litigation brought by 27 states, including Missouri, proceeded in the courts. Blunt joined 200 of his colleagues in an amicus brief supporting the states’ case.
In November 2015, Blunt cosponsored two Senate-passed resolutions that would have stopped the Obama administration from implementing the CPP. In May 2015, Blunt cosponsored the bipartisan Affordable Reliable Energy Now Act, which also would have rolled back these harmful regulations.
