Senate Passes Bills to Eliminate Obama’s Costly Energy Regulations

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today voted to stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from moving forward with its proposed “Clean Power Plan” regulations for existing sources and its final rule governing greenhouse gas emissions from new sources. The Senate passed two resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, which will stop these rules all together. Rounds is a cosponsor of both resolutions.

“From farmers and ranchers to local government officials and the South Dakota families they represent, everyone is sick and tired of the reckless, costly regulations the EPA is attempting to force upon our economy,” said Rounds. “This administration has no regard for the cost of these regulations, which will raise electricity rates for every American in the country.  Passing these resolutions is a win for American families who rely on reliable, affordable energy to keep their loved ones safe and our economy running.”

The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to overturn actions by a federal agency, such as the EPA, after a rule is formally published and submitted to Congress. If the President signs the resolution of disapproval into law, it would completely nullify the Clean Power Plan, including any portions of the rule that have already gone into effect. Earlier this year South Dakota, along with 25 other states, filed a Petition for Review and a Motion to Stay in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit against the Clean Power Plan. If the President vetoes these resolutions, Congress would have the opportunity to override his veto.