Upton questions coal-power decision

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) recently questioned how a recent decision to eliminate support for public financing of most coal-fired power plants overseas would impact electricity costs in developing countries.

Upton and House Energy and Power Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) sent a letter to Treasury Department Secretary Jacob Lew questioning the department’s recent decision.

“These actions raise questions not only about whether the Treasury Department’s new climate policies comport with its duties and functions, but also the practical impact on U.S. international humanitarian goals, trade policies and foreign commerce …” Upton and Whitfield said.

The legislators noted that the decision could have a negative impact on developing countries’ ability to rise out of poverty and that similar steps related to coal power have not been taken in the United States.

“…Just this week, press reports indicated that the United States actively opposed financing for a power plant project in Pakistan…” Upton and Whitfield said. “The United States reportedly opposed financing for this project because of its global climate change policy, not because of the needs of the Pakistani poor who may profoundly benefit from increased access to affordable, reliable electricity.”

The legislators requested a response from the Treasury Department by Jan. 17.