Alert

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement after the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) finalized the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, which replaces the Obama-era Clean Power Plan (CPP):

“The EPA’s new rule strikes exactly the right balance between reducing emissions and ensuring Missourians have access to reliable, affordable energy. The previous administration’s misguided plan failed to take into account the costly impact it would have on families, farmers and ranchers, and small businesses in states like ours that have historically relied on coal as an affordable energy source. I’m glad the Trump administration has taken this important action to protect families while advancing an all-of-the-above energy policy.”

Missourians have historically relied on coal to power more than 80 percent of our electricity, and Blunt has consistently fought to protect Missouri families from the CPP. According to a NERA Economic Consulting study, the Obama administration’s energy regulations would have added up to $39 billion in annual compliance costs.

In August 2018, Blunt voiced his support for the proposed ACE rule when it was first announced. In February 2018, Blunt commended the EPA for holding a listening session in Kansas City, Mo., to hear Missourians’ feedback on the proposed repeal of the CPP. In October 2017, Blunt praised the EPA’s announcement that it would issue a new rule withdrawing the CPP.

In February 2016, the Supreme Court blocked implementation of the CPP while litigation brought by 27 states, including Missouri, proceeded in the courts. Blunt joined 200 of his colleagues in an amicus brief supporting the states’ case.

In November 2015, Blunt cosponsored two Senate-passed resolutions that would have stopped the Obama administration from implementing the CPP. In May 2015, Blunt cosponsored the bipartisan Affordable Reliable Energy Now Act, which also would have rolled back these harmful regulations.