Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a final rule Thursday on the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. EPA will now require energy producers and manufacturers, under the Clean Air Act, to seek permits if their operations exceed EPA-established emission standards.

“Coming just one day after Senate Democrats unveiled their latest national energy tax legislation, this action by the EPA is just the latest in a series of moves by this Administration and its allies on Capitol Hill that will increase energy prices and have a detrimental effect on our nation’s economy,” said Chairman Price. “The Administration has been rather clear that their actions are meant to provoke Congress into passing a job-killing national energy tax by threatening to otherwise go it alone through expanded EPA authority. This is not only a poor way to govern, but also a clear indication that rising gas prices, food prices, and home energy costs are burdens this Administration is willing to let the American people endure.

“Rather than stack more dead weight onto America’s economy, Democrats should join Republicans in the pursuit of an all-you-can-create energy policy. Our strategy utilizes America’s natural resources so we are less reliant on foreign providers. And it invests in a cleaner, renewable energy future that will have a positive impact on our environment and our future prosperity.”