Crapo Moves To Stop EPA From Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has joined a bipartisan group of 39 senators as original cosponsors of a disapproval resolution to stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. The resolution, which is essentially a legislative veto, was introduced by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in response to recent moves by the EPA to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

"The Clean Air Act was not designed to regulate something as extensive as greenhouse gas emissions, which literally reach every corner of our economy," Crapo said. "Using this law to regulate these emissions would simply be devastating for our economy. I am also very much concerned that the Administration and its allies are trying to use the Clean Air Act to force Congress into passing the ill-advised 'cap and trade' bills that have failed to earn the support of the American people."

By cosponsoring the Senate resolution, Crapo said he is responding to the concerns of many Idahoans over EPA's recent efforts to finalize regulations to curb the heat-trapping emissions. The next step will be for the EPA Administrator to finalize rules to regulate these emissions, such as limits on greenhouse gas emissions from the tailpipes of motor vehicles and large industrial sources, like power plants. "It is truly baffling that the Administration would try to force an ill-advised energy tax through Congress, have that rejected loud and clear by the American people, and then, instead of going back to the drawing board and coming up with an approach that works, would try and push Congress into adopting that wrong approach with threats of EPA regulation," he said.

The resolution has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works, on which Crapo serves. If a majority of the Committee members do not vote in favor of the resolution, it can be reported to the Senate floor with a petition by 30 Senators. Once the resolution is pending before the full Senate, it is then subject to expedited consideration, not subject to filibuster, and only requires 51 votes to pass. If the resolution were to pass, it would prohibit EPA regulations from going into effect. Crapo is pushing for a Senate vote on the resolution in March.

A longtime proponent of diversifying our energy portfolio, Crapo has been pushing the Administration to increase loan guarantees for nuclear energy as a way to reduce air pollution and lessen America's dependence on foreign oil. He is also a strong advocate for various forms of alternative fuels and is a cosponsor of several bills to promote clean, renewable hydropower, woody biomass and algae-based fuels, and other alternative energy sources.