The latest round of regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency are difficult to rationalize.
The EPA’s planned greenhouse gas rules will jeopardize low-cost electricity relied upon by local governments, small businesses, farmers and manufacturers – a regulation whose impact will be felt by much more than just energy producers and utility companies – but throughout the entire economy and in every household.
Hardworking people need access to affordable, reliable energy more than ever before. Instead, we face the threat of policy makers in Washington, whose decisions will drive up energy costs for consumers and producers alike, making small businesses less competitive and costing us jobs.
What is needed is a balanced approach to energy policy, not new regulations that limit our choices. We need to keep all options on the table, allowing for innovation without sacrificing economic growth, and without placing the burden of high costs on those who can afford it least.
The EPA has extended the comment period on these new rules by 45 days. Hopefully during this time period the EPA will listen to the people most affected by its policies – people like you and me.
Mike Arms
Executive Director
Association of Tennessee Valley Governments