Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Penn.) recently introduced the Domestic Energy Production Protection Act, which would make it more difficult for the Environmental Protection Agency to create rules that circumvent any need for Congress’ approval.
Shuster said the EPA has established multiple regulations that hamper the nation’s domestic energy industry and reduce employment opportunities. The legislation would require the EPA to get Congress to approve any rules that could have an impact on domestic energy production.
“President Obama recently announced that he intends to bypass Congress and create new limitations on new and existing coal-fired plants using the EPA,” Shuster said. “In recent years, the EPA has overstepped its authority and has been legislating via regulation. Just a few weeks ago, it was announced that two coal-fired plants in southwestern Pennsylvania would close down due to the overwhelming cost of complying with the EPA’s ever expanding regulations. These are good, clean plants and their closures are a major blow to the region.”
Under the new legislation, the EPA would have to submit final energy rules for analysis if it lowers the expected rate of domestic production. Within 90 days of submission, Congress would have a report on the proposed rule and a jobs impact analysis. The rule would not be valid without the enactment of a joint resolution by Congress.
Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.V.), the bill’s cosponsor, said the legislation is essential to maintaining proper guidelines and authority.
“Unprecedented regulatory steps have been taken by (the EPA) to advance its ideological agenda and this bill is needed to ensure that the public has a voice in how these regulations are developed and implemented,” Rahall said.