Statement on US ENvironmental Protection Agency’s Porposed Carbon Dioxide Emission Rules

state-flag-indianaOn September 20, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its proposed rules that will limit the amount of carbon dioxide that new power plants can emit. In response, Indiana Governor Mike Pence said, “As I had informed President Obama in the past, I believe that our nation is best served by an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy that incorporates all forms of energy. We need our wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal resources to power our economy and provide the quality of life Hoosiers and other Americans are accustomed to experiencing.”

Governor Pence also said, “Unfortunately, the rules the EPA announced today and the contemplated carbon dioxide emissions rules for existing power plants, expected to be released in June of 2014, will constrain any potential for an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy and harm our economy in the process.”

“These regulations will drive up the cost of electricity at a time when our economy can least afford it. In addition, the higher cost of electricity will disproportionately affect low and fixed-income Hoosiers. Manufacturing states, like Indiana, will feel the brunt the greatest as our industrial sectors put more of their revenue toward their electricity bill and less toward putting more Hoosiers to work.”

“I believe that we can find a better way to protect not only the health of our environment, but the health of our economy and our position in the global marketplace as well, and my administration will continue to advocate for common-sense, science-based solutions that promote job creation and economic growth.”