Congress to take action to halt new power plant rules

Congress is expected to take action this week to block the implementation of new regulations on power plants.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized regulations in October aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the electric power sector. President Obama will likely use these regulations as examples of his commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris next month.

But Congress may have other plans for the new rules. Under the authority established by the Congressional Review Act, lawmakers can pass resolutions to disapprove of certain federal regulations.

Kentucky U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield have taken steps in their respective chambers to stop the detrimental rulemaking by filing joint resolutions of disapproval. The Energy and Power Subcommittee led by Rep. Whitfield passed the resolutions earlier this month and the Energy Committee is expected to give final passage to the resolutions this week.

Since the Congressional Review Act was enacted in 1996 only 43 resolutions have been introduced in the House or the Senate. If Congress passes the resolutions to disapprove of the regulations it will be only the second time it has successfully used its power to stop a federal rulemaking.

Kentucky businesses are encouraged to reach out to their congressional representatives in support of the joint resolutions. Use the links below to express your support.

Click here to send a letter to your senators.

Click here to send a letter to your House representative.