Johanns: Congress fails to protect economy from overreach by EPA

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Mike Johanns today issued the following statement after a bipartisan resolution to disapprove of a recent EPA endangerment finding failed by a vote of 47-53. Had it passed, the resolution would have reversed the EPA's decision to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Sen. Johanns was a cosponsor of the resolution.

"I am extremely disappointed the disapproval resolution failed. The EPA's decision to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act represents a gross overreach by a federal agency that could wreak havoc on our struggling economy," Johanns said. "This decision could be economically devastating, imposing higher costs on businesses and putting them at a disadvantage because overseas competitors will not be subject to similar regulation. This means higher costs for consumers and less job growth, it's that simple.

"EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson admitted that without reductions in countries like China, India, and Brazil, U.S. policy will have virtually no impact on temperatures. During these challenging economic times, we need to encourage economic growth. EPA's endangerment finding does the opposite by placing additional burdens on small businesses, farmers, and families, with no meaningful environmental benefit."

Background:

Numerous Trade Groups Representing A Broad Swath Of The Economy Supported The Murkowski Resolution: American Coke and Coal Chemicals Institute, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Health Care Association, American Petroleum Institute, Associated General Contractors of America, The Center for North American Energy Security, Corn Refiners Association, Industrial Energy Consumers of America, Industrial Minerals Association - North America, International Warehouse Logistics Association, Metals Service Center Institute, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of Manufacturers, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Center for Assisted Living, National Mining Association, National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, Natural Gas Supply Association, Portland Cement Association, Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, The Fertilizer Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Oil and Gas Association.

* The American Farm Bureau Estimates It Will Cost Nearly A Billion Dollars To Comply With EPA's Decision, Nearly $23,200 Per Permit. "The EPA estimates there are more than 37,000 operations emitting above current Title V Clean Air Act thresholds and below 25,000 tons, with an average cost of $23,200 per permit. Using EPA's estimates, this would result in a cost of more than $866 million to agriculture to comply with the Title V permit program." (American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stillman, Letter To Senator Mike Johanns, 6/8/10)