Thompson: Local Communities Will Suffer Under New Power Plant Rules

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) today said new power plant emission standards released by the Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) and President Barack Obama would have a devastating effect on the energy industry across Pennsylvania and on local communities. The Clean Power Plan seeks to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. States will be required to meet specific carbon emission reduction standards, based on their individual energy consumption. Following the president’s announcement, Thompson, who serves on the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement:

“Hundreds of coal power plants across the nation have already closed due to this administration’s ‘war on coal.’ Every plant closure has a devastating effect, not just for those who work there – but also for local coal miners and trucking companies. These are family-sustaining jobs that many communities have depended on for generations.

“The White House continues to be dead-set on eliminating coal from our nation’s fuel mix, even though it makes up nearly 40 percent of our energy consumption. Turning our backs on affordable electricity will cause rates to increase dramatically, more than $1,200 by 2030.

“The protection of the environment is a laudable goal. However, these regulations are expected to reduce global temperatures by only a fraction of one degree and will not have an impact on health. Options to replace coal’s role in creating our nation’s energy remain scarce, pointing toward a strained power grid in the future.

“This is the continuation of this administration’s ‘War on Coal.’ It is the wrong course for our nation’s energy production, our Pennsylvania communities and for our economy.”