Pushing Back Against the War on Coal

Not all regulations are bad or unnecessary. Some have a critical role to play in our society. But each one has a cost. And the costs of a regulation always get passed along to consumers.

When regulations hit the energy industry, for example, it makes it more expensive to heat or cool our homes every month. And it means a higher cost of living for everyone.

President Obama last year announced his "Clean Power Plan," which sets mandatory carbon emissions levels for each state. After the President's cap-and-trade proposal failed in Congress, he set out to enforce his agenda through regulation. The Clean Power Plan is another attempt to change the way we generate, transmit and consume electricity in the United States.

Last week, the House took action, passing the Ratepayer Protection Act. This bipartisan bill extends the Clean Power Plan's compliance dates until the courts have time to review the plan. Our bill also ensures that no state will be forced to implement Obama's plan if its governor finds that doing so would significantly increase electricity prices.

We rely on coal in the Heartland for reliable and affordable electricity. Our electric utilities and power companies in Missouri have made tremendous strides toward reducing emissions, and we can't allow broad mandates to ruin this progress and make energy costs skyrocket across our state.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves