WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) voted for and applauded House passage of the Electricity Security and Affordability Act (H.R. 3826). Rogers cosponsored the legislation to halt the crippling new regulations being designed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would effectively shut down coal-fired power plants in the United States. 

“The Environmental Protection Agency's radical environmental agenda is crippling communities across coal country with skyrocketing unemployment rates and higher utility bills. Eastern Kentucky has already lost about half of the coal mining jobs we had just two years ago, leaving more than 7,000 coal miners searching for a way to put food on the table and pay their bills,” stated Congressman Rogers, a member of the Congressional Coal Caucus. "Instead of pursuing policies to encourage growth and development in hard-hit regions, the EPA continues to set up roadblocks at every turn; however, this legislation will rein in this out-of-control agenda to ensure that coal remains a viable, affordable part of our country’s energy portfolio.”
 
Specifically, H.R. 3826 would require the EPA to categorize fuel sources like coal and natural gas separately, rather than requiring a one-size-fits-all standard.  The legislation will also ensure that coal continues to be a cost-effective option for power generation, including new state-of-the-art technologies that are being researched today. Under the EPA’s proposed regulations, even the most state-of-the-art new coal power plant would not be a viable cost option. The result for these new regulations will be higher costs for consumers, and less energy security for the country.
 
The Electricity Security and Affordability Act now heads to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit http://halrogers.house.gov or follow Rogers on Twitter  or on Facebook.   

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