Wagner Statement on EPA's Cap-and-Trade Proposal

Press Release

(Ballwin, MO) Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the EPA issued a plan to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants:

"Once again, President Obama is governing by executive fiat and waging a war on affordable energy and hardworking Americans. The president's plan would cause energy prices to skyrocket, cost millions of jobs and cause irreparable damage to our already fragile economy. This proposed rule would be especially devastating on hardworking, middle-class families.

"In Missouri, coal is responsible for over 80% of the electricity generated. As a result, we enjoy some of the most affordable energy prices in the country. These abundant resources allow us to keep the factory lights on, power our homes, and keep our families warm during the cold winter months. However, if President Obama gets his way, Missourians would be left in the dark.

"Four years after a Democratic-controlled senate rejected Cap-and-Trade, the administration should stop this war on affordable energy and listen to the American people."

Background:

The US Chamber of Commerce published a report on the potential negative consequences of the proposed rule:
* Lower US GDP by $51 billion on average every year through 2030
* Lead to 224,000 fewer US jobs on average every year through 2030
* Force US consumers to pay $289 billion more for electricity through 2030
* Lower total disposable income for US households by $586 billion through 2030

Source