U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) applauds the passage of two resolutions expressing congressional disapproval of President Obama’s war on coal. Specifically, the House passed S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res. 24, which exercise Congress’ power to overturn a rule issued by a federal agency under the Congressional Review Act. If enacted, the resolutions will nullify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for new and existing coal-fired power plants.

“President Obama has repeatedly ignored the will of the American people and the U.S. Congress by empowering EPA bureaucrats to wage his war on coal. These job-killing greenhouse gas regulations threaten the livelihoods of those who work in the coal fields and at coal-fired power plants in Appalachia,” said Rogers. “Coal provides affordable, reliable energy to homes and businesses all across the country. Without Congressional action pushing back on these new rules, EPA will burden American families and business owners with high electricity rates. I am pleased that the House and the Senate have taken action to ensure that American citizens are not paying the price for this Administration’s unworkable regulatory agenda.”

The resolutions push back against EPA’s final rule governing greenhouse gas emissions from new power plants, as well as the agency’s Clean Power Plan, which impacts existing power plants. Both of these regulations are projected to raise electricity prices, eliminate good paying jobs in the coal industry, and threaten the reliability of the nation's electric grid.

These resolutions also passed in the Senate on November 17 and now head to President Obama for his signature or veto.

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