Zinke on EPA Plan: Montana Knows Best
Press Release
Today, Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke blasted the EPA for their new Washington knows best emissions standards known as the "Clean Power Plan." The new EPA regulations would increase Montana's average utility costs across the board. Electricity costs would increase by 21% and an annual gas bill by 41%, or almost $500 per household by 2020. Industrial customers will face up to $2,400 a year in additional costs. This is the most restrictive climate change plan in American history. Zinke was a cosponsor of H.R.2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015, which would extend the compliance deadline and protect state's rights to exempt themselves from federal plans. This bill passed out of the House on June 24, 2015.
The following statement can be attributed to Rep. Ryan Zinke.
"I believe Montana knows best how to manage our power and our resources, much better than unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C, do. In Montana, we value our beautiful lands and clean air and water, and we all work together to conserve our resources. Our state has already reduced our emissions rates without the federal government getting involved. The EPA's supposed "Clean Power Plan' will kill good-paying union jobs and drive up costs for Montana families and small businesses. I've been to the Rosebud mine in Colstrip where International Union of Operating Engineers Local 400 earn their paychecks to provide for their families.
"Look at the facts: the national labor participation rate is the lowest it has been in the past 30 years. Wages are stagnant, the cost of living is going up, and energy prices for home heating and manufacturing are skyrocketing because of layers and layers of regulations. Our communities cannot afford another federal assault on the economy. Coal remains Montana's and our nation's largest source of electricity because it is affordable and readily available. Whether the coal is mined in Montana or turned into electricity to build cars in Michigan, coal is an important part of the American economy.
"I've heard from folks across Montana, their message is clear: Stop the madness. As the EPA recklessly moves forward with their Pricey Power Plan, I will do everything in my power to stop this bad plan and stand together with my colleagues to support American jobs."
Last week, Rep. Zinke took to the House floor to blast the proposed rule. Watch the video here.
In 2007, Montana enacted a law that requires new coal mines to capture and sequester at least half of their CO2 emissions. The new EPA regulations will have a significant impact on Montana coal, both for producers and for consumers. Montana holds one-fourth of all recoverable U.S. coal reserves, and about half of Montana's coal was sent by rail to other states. This industry employs roughly 6,500 Montanans. The EPA expects the new rule to decrease electricity generation from coal by nearly 30% nationwide. This rule would have a large impact on the Crow Nation, as they have an estimated 9 billion tons of low-sulfur coal as well as crude oil and natural gas reserve.
Source