Rounds Statement on Obama’s Coal Tax Plan

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today issued the following statement on President Obama’s so-called “Clean Power Plan” final rule, which was issued earlier today:

“Once again, the Obama Administration is stretching the limits of the law far beyond what Congress intended to impose sweeping new mandates at the expense of American families,” said Rounds. “This plan will result in higher electricity rates for every single household and job creator in America. Additionally, energy production will be reduced, bringing further uncertainty surrounding the electric grid - all with little environmental benefit. The rule could also threaten the livelihood of South Dakota’s lone coal-fired plant at Big Stone, which is already in the middle of a $400 million compliance upgrade.

“The so-called clean power plan is yet another example in which American families are being forced to suffer the consequences of this Administration’s overreaching, over-burdensome agenda without any input or recourse for policies they disagree with.

“Congressional frustration with these types of regulations underscores the need for a bipartisan approach to address executive overreach, regardless of party affiliation.  The RESTORE Resolution, which we introduced earlier this year, along with its House companion, would lead to a permanent solution to regulation without representation. It reinforces Congressional oversight as part of the rulemaking process.”

Earlier this year, Rounds sponsored The Affordable Reliable Energy Now Act (ARENA), the principal legislative vehicle in the Senate to roll back the Clean Power Plan. The Senate EPW Committee is scheduled to mark-up ARENA on Wednesday.

More information about RESTORE is available HERE.