Congresswoman Jackie Walorski today welcomed news that the Environmental Protection Agency will be extending the comment period for a controversial rule proposing new greenhouse gas emission standards for new power plants.
"I am pleased that the EPA has responded to my request to extend the comment period for this controversial rule," Walorski said. "More than 80 percent of the electricity in Indiana is generated by coal, and affordable energy is crucial for Indiana's strong manufacturing base. If the EPA is allowed to implement its radical environmental agenda, energy costs will soar, hurting businesses and the many hardworking Hoosiers who are trying to pay their bills.
"At a time when energy demands are high in the Midwest due to the unusually cold winter we have all experienced, it makes no sense to crack down on the coal industry, which keeps energy costs low, provides good-paying jobs, and can help move America towards energy independence. Today's announcement will ensure that Hoosiers have time to share their views with the EPA before this rule is finalized."
In January, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and 70 bipartisan House members sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy requesting a sixty-day comment period extension. The original comment deadline of March 10, 2014 will now be extended until May 9, 2014.