DATE: March 10, 2010
GOVERNOR BARBOUR ASKS CONGRESS TO STOP EPA REGULATION OF GREENHOUSE GASES
Jackson, Mississippi – Governor Haley Barbour today joined a bipartisan group of governors in asking Congress to stop a plan giving the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to regulate greenhouse gases, a move that would potentially harm the competitiveness of the nation’s economy.
In a letter to Congressional leaders, 20 governors expressed concern over an administrative agency implementing regulations that would have a broad, negative impact on industry and jobs without input from elected officials.
“EPA’s proposal will only result in energy costing more and Americans having fewer energy options,” Governor Barbour said. “We should be trying to create more affordable American energy and avoid actions that will increase the cost of electricity, gasoline, and other goods for families and businesses. The EPA’s proposal is bad for the U.S. economy and should be stopped.”
Bipartisan support exists to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, however heavy-handed regulation will increase the cost of electricity and gasoline prices and manufactured products at a time when state economies are struggling.
“We believe that EPA should offer input regarding complex energy and environmental policy initiatives, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but feel that these policies are best developed by elected representatives at the state and national level, not by a single federal agency,” the letter stated.
Barbour Press
