Friends of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Will the EPA Turn Off Your Air Conditioner?

 Within the next week, the U.S. Senate will likely vote on S.J. Res 37, a Resolution of Disapproval of the EPA’s job-killing Utility MACT rule.  This is likely the last chance we have to derail this centerpiece of the EPA regulatory overreach that is already costing American jobs, while further preventing the economic recovery our nation still craves.  

Earlier this month, we told you about the significant costs that the EPA’s Utility MACT rule is already imposing upon electric utilities and electric consumers – like you and me – across our nation.  

In advance of the rule’s start date, more than 25,000 megawatts of affordable coal generation will be retired due to EPA air rules for electric power plants.  That's enough lost generation to furnish electricity for more than 22 million households. Tens of thousands of workers could lose their jobs and millions of consumers will be paying higher electricity bills as a result of the EPA’s overbearing regulations.

Well, another week brings more bad news for jobs, affordable energy, and the basic need for a reliable electric supply to support economic development.  The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which oversees America’s electric grid, now projects that interruptions in electric service may occur in both Southern California and Texas this summer.  In addition, New England is subject to proactive measures in an attempt to maintain reliable electric service in that region.  Now is NOT the time to turn off more generation when we are already running short.  

We need your help NOW to prevent the EPA from turning potential electricity shortages today into power outages – and higher electricity rates – tomorrow.  

Click HERE to write your Senator to ask your member to stand with his/her constituents in support of American jobs and affordable, reliable electricity.