Earlier this month, the president and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the finalized rule to regulate emissions from existing power plants, mandating a 32 percent cut  in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

So what does this mean? Let me break this down a little more. An early analysis of the proposed rule that called for a 30 percent decrease found that electricity prices would increase an average of 12-17 percent by 2030 meaning that the average Missouri household’s annual bill will increase by $235. As a direct result, 1.2 million jobs would be lost by 2030 as manufacturing moves overseas and families have less take-home pay.

Even worse, this rule comes with a hefty price tag. It is estimated the rule will cost Americans consumers and businesses $41 billion or more each year.

I have heard from many of you who fear this rule will not only have a devastating impact across our country, but especially in Missouri. More than 85 percent of Missourian’s electricity is generated by coal combustion. With this rule, the state would have to reduce its emissions by 28 percent. That simply means these forced decreases will result in increased energy prices that cost jobs and could potentially shutter some of the power plants that provide good-paying jobs to Missouri citizens.  

The House of Representatives has already been proactive to negate this rule. Earlier this summer, the House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act which would extend the compliance dates of the Clean Power Plan until proper judicial review is conducted. More importantly, this legislation would ensure that no state would be forced to enact a state or federal implementation plan of the rule if the governor finds that doing so would significantly increase electricity prices or threaten reliability.

During a time when Missourians are paying more for everything, it is unconscionable the president and this administration would move forward with what is basically a national energy tax. Furthermore, rules from the EPA should not be based off of inconsistent data and science. I will continue to support additional legislation that acts in the best interests of American taxpayers and to continue to fight off the costly and burdensome regulations which stem from the administration.