Governor Pence Opposes Proposed EPA Regulations; Emissions Reductions Will be 'Devastating' for Hoosier Workers and Families

Press Release

Governor Pence issued the following statement after President Obama and the EPA proposed this morning that states be required under the Clean Air Act to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants by 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.

"Once again, the Obama Administration is advancing its anti-coal agenda without regard for the impact on the U.S. economy or American workers.

"As a state that relies heavily on coal-burning power plants, these proposed regulations will be devastating for Hoosier workers and families. They will cost us in higher electricity rates, in lost jobs, and in lost business growth due to a lack of affordable, reliable electricity. Indiana will oppose these regulations using every means available.

"The proposal makes good on then presidential candidate Obama's statements in 2008 that under his plan electricity prices would "necessarily skyrocket,' and that anyone who built a coal-fired electricity power plant would be bankrupted.

"The president and Democrats in Congress tried to force these rules through in 2009 with their cap and trade scheme. I opposed them then, and I oppose them now.

"The president's plan today will dramatically raise electricity rates in a way that will be passed onto consumers in the form of higher bills. A typical household could lose $3,400 in disposable income. That will hit our lower-income and younger workers the hardest, hurting those who are trying their best to get ahead.

"In Indiana we produce more than 80 percent of our electricity from coal, and more than 3,500 hard-working Hoosiers are employed in the coal industry. We are a manufacturing state that is competitive in part based on our low cost of energy. Raising the cost of electricity through these proposed EPA regulations will slow manufacturing and hurt Hoosiers across our economy.

"I believe that our nation is best served by a true all of the above energy strategy that incorporates all forms of energy. We need our wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal resources to power our economy and provide the quality of life Hoosiers and other Americans expect.

"My administration is working on a new energy plan now, including updated energy efficiency measures that will go before the General Assembly next year. I believe that we can find a better way to protect not only the health of our environment, but also the health of our economy and our position in the global marketplace. The president's proposal does not strike that balance, and I will oppose it while at the same time seeking to find common-sense solutions that promote job creation and economic growth and protect Hoosier rate-payers and employees."

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