U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell commented regarding President Obama's proposed rule on fossil fuel power plants which is expected to be announced early next week. According to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy, President Obama's rule is expected to eliminate jobs in Kentucky and across the nation, harm the nation's economy and increase utility rates by over-regulating our power plants.
"From what we have heard this is just the latest attempt at a national energy tax by the Obama Administration and yet another assault on Kentucky coal jobs and the Commonwealth's economy. It will not only have a negative impact on Kentucky coal jobs and economy but will result in an increase in our utility rates, one of our state's competitive advantages," Senator McConnell said. "I have long fought against Obama's War on Kentucky coal, and I will continue to fight back by introducing legislation next week on behalf of our coal miners and Kentucky families to stop Obama from imposing this national energy tax -- a failed tax which has already been rejected by Congress. The President's plan would destroy jobs and raise costs for families across America, and Congress must listen to these families--even though the President won't."
Senator McConnell's legislation would block the administration's efforts to impose this new national energy tax. He will further discuss his legislation during a speech on the Senate floor next week.