Reining in the EPA to Foster a Healthier Economy

For years, President Obama and his Administration have been touting that they are for an “all-of-the-above” energy policy. As the president continues to repeat this same rhetoric, it is obvious he is all but for this type of energy approach. Recently, he has made speeches directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen existing rules and regulations. Instead of fostering a healthy economy with a real “all-of-the-above” energy approach, he has actually waged an indiscreet war on most of America’s main energy sources.

In order for our economy to thrive off the many energy resources our country produces, we have worked in the United States House of Representatives to pass legislation that reins in the EPA and reduces the regulatory burdens they place on American businesses and the energy sector.

Recently, the House passed H.R. 1582, the Energy Consumers Relief Act, which requires the EPA to submit a report to Congress detailing certain cost, benefit, energy prices and job impacts on new rules costing more than $1 billion. The EPA has continuously inflicted costly rules on American businesses that are bad for jobs and the economy. H.R. 1582 helps prevent this from occurring by creating oversight and transparency within the EPA. It is critical that we understand the direct implications of new rules before they are fully implemented. 

The House has also worked to reduce EPA regulations by passing H.R. 2218, the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act. This legislation established federal minimum requirements for the management and disposal of coal combustion residuals. Additionally, it empowers the states to develop their own permitting programs. I have always been a firm believer that the states should have the right to establish their own permits, and I am pleased this legislation helps accomplish this goal.

Lastly, we passed H.R. 367, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2013. The REINS Act provides a huge step in reducing federal regulation. It requires Congress to pass and the president to sign a joint resolution to approve on new major regulations issued by a federal agency, including the EPA, before the new rule can take effect. This helps ensure that the agencies cannot unjustly implement regulations on the private sector without the approval of Congress.

While the EPA has seen its authority expanded and regulations strengthened, by the current Administration, I have worked with my colleagues in the House to provide affordable energy options for all Americans and protect U.S. jobs. I can assure you I will continue to find ways to peel back harmful EPA regulations and provide our nation, and its valuable energy sector, with the certainty they deserve.

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