Sen. Ernst Votes To Oppose Yet Another EPA Power Grab

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement after voting in favor of two measures that would block the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) costly rules on new and existing power plants from going into effect.

“Once again, the EPA has bypassed Congress and ignored the voices of hardworking Americans to unilaterally enforce its agenda. This latest overreach is a backdoor cap-and-trade policy that is likely to threaten jobs, burden hardworking Americans and increase electricity prices for low-income families.

“Energy policies like this one are central to the economic health of our country and should not be forced through a rulemaking process that is specifically designed to ignore the will of Congress and the American people. These issues should be debated openly in Congress as well as in every congressional district and community across America. I remain committed to ensuring that hardworking folks across the country are protected from this harmful rule.”

EPA’s rule would require Iowa to reduce its emissions by 42 percent by 2030. Iowa must decide between a single state plan or a regional approach that could include emissions trading. The rule also prohibits any renewable investments made prior to 2013 from being used directly for compliance. As an early adopter of wind energy, this is disappointing for Iowa.

National & Iowa Impact:

• The EPA’s new rule will impact 37 electric generating units in Iowa.
• In Iowa, 59 percent of the state’s electricity comes from coal.
• Even the EPA estimates that this new rule will cost $8.4 billion per year.
• The American Action Forum predicts that the rule will eliminate 125,800 jobs across the country.

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