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McConnell: EPA Overreach ‘a dagger in the heart of the American middle class’

June 2, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding the Obama administration’s new job-killing EPA regulations and their effects on American families and Kentucky’s coal jobs and economy:

“Today’s announcement is a dagger in the heart of the American middle class, and to representative Democracy itself. Already reeling from the painful effects of Obamacare, the American people are now being told they have to shoulder the burdens of the President’s latest ‘solution’ in the form of higher costs, fewer jobs, and a less reliable energy grid. The fact that the President plans to do all this through an end-run around Congress only highlights his contempt for the wishes of the public and a system of government that was devised precisely to restrain an action like today’s.

“By imposing these draconian new rules on the nation’s coal industry, President Obama and every other liberal lawmaker in Washington who quietly supports them is also picking regional favorites, helping their political supporters in states like California and New York while inflicting acute pain on states like Kentucky. The impact on individuals and families and entire regions of the country will be catastrophic, as a proud domestic industry is decimated — and many of its jobs shipped overseas. Those who don’t lose jobs to foreign competitors will see higher utility costs and other living expenses at a moment they can least afford it. In short, the downstream effects of today’s announcement will be staggering for millions.

“Another tragedy in today’s announcement is that for all the pain this new rule will inflict on ordinary Americans, there is no clear benefit. These new rules will cheer the far-left patrons of Washington liberals, but there is simply no question that our competitors around the world will eagerly replace whatever industry we lose as a result of these new rules. The notion that these competitors will follow our lead is pure and utter fantasy.

“The sad truth is that the only thing America will lead in if these rules go into effect is the unilateral dismantling of our own economic supremacy and the self-imposed destruction of one of our nation’s main competitive advantages in the global economy.  And that’s why I will offer legislation this week to stop this assault on Kentucky and the broader U.S. economy, because the President and his allies should not be allowed to get away with this. Congress must listen to the families who will be hardest hit by these rules — even if the President won’t.”

McConnell on the Resignation of Eric Shinseki from the VA

‘This change of leadership is a meaningful initial step to meet our solemn obligations, but what’s still needed is an agreement by the President and his allies in Congress to join Republicans in legislation that would help to fix this system that has so failed our veterans.’

May 30, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement today regarding the resignation of Secretary Shinseki:

“Secretary Eric Shinseki has given this nation a lifetime of honorable service, and he is owed a debt of gratitude for his personal sacrifices made in and out of uniform.

“The denial of care to our veterans is a national disgrace, and it’s fitting that the person who oversees the Department of Veterans Affairs has accepted responsibility for this growing scandal and resigned. The findings of the interim Inspector General report reveal a systemic failure within the Department of Veterans Affairs caused by a failure of leadership and supervision up and down the chain of command.

“The President needs to replace Secretary Shinseki with a capable leader and manager who possesses the skills, leadership ability and determination to correct the failings of the VA, support the thousands of VA workers who are committed to serving our veterans, and provide all of those who have bravely served with the timely care they have earned.  This change of leadership is a meaningful initial step to meet our solemn obligations, but what’s still needed is an agreement by the President and his allies in Congress to join Republicans in legislation that would help to fix this system that has so failed our veterans.”

McConnell to Introduce Legislation to Fight Back Against President Obama’s Latest Attack on Kentucky Coal Jobs and the Commonwealth’s Economy

May 30, 2014

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell commented regarding President Obama’s proposed rule on fossil fuel power plants which is expected to be announced early next week. According to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, President Obama’s rule is expected to eliminate jobs in Kentucky and across the nation, harm the nation’s economy and increase utility rates by over-regulating our power plants.

“From what we have heard this is just the latest attempt at a national energy tax by the Obama Administration and yet another assault on Kentucky coal jobs and the Commonwealth’s economy.  It will not only have a negative impact on Kentucky coal jobs and economy but will result in an increase in our utility rates, one of our state’s competitive advantages,” Senator McConnell said. “I have long fought against Obama’s War on Kentucky coal, and I will continue to fight back by introducing legislation next week on behalf of our coal miners and Kentucky families to stop Obama from imposing this national energy tax -- a failed tax which has already been rejected by Congress. The President’s plan would destroy jobs and raise costs for families across America, and Congress must listen to these families—even though the President won’t.”

Senator McConnell’s legislation would block the administration’s efforts to impose this new national energy tax. He will further discuss his legislation during a speech on the Senate floor next week.

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BACKGROUND: ‘Obama Climate Rule Will Kill Jobs’ & Cause ‘A Steep Surge In Energy Prices’

STUDY: ‘224,000 Fewer U.S. Jobs On Average Every Year’

“The nation’s biggest business lobby says President Barack Obama’s plan to tackle climate change could cost the U.S. economy $50 billion a year.” (“Chamber Study Predicts Obama Climate Rule Will Kill Jobs,” Bloomberg News, 5/28/14)

“The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plans to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants will...  Lead to 224,000 fewer U.S. jobs on average every year through 2030.” (U.S. Chamber Of Commerce, Press Release, 5/28/14)

“…the Chamber of Commerce said the rules would have an effect well beyond the coal industry by leading to job losses in the broader economy. ‘EPA should recognize that, beginning with this rulemaking, its greenhouse gas regulatory agenda will reverberate throughout the economy,’ the Chamber wrote to EPA.” (“Coal Rules Will Devastate, Say Biz Groups,” The Hill, 5/13/14)

STUDY: ‘Electricity Costs Will Increase’

“The Environmental Protection Agency’s carbon dioxide limits for new power plants will devastate the economy by leading to a steep surge in energy prices, the coal industry and its allies warned.” (“Coal Rules Will Devastate, Say Biz Groups,” The Hill, 5/13/14)

CHAMBER: “The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plans to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants will...  Force U.S. consumers to pay $289 billion more for electricity through 2030.” (U.S. Chamber Of Commerce, Press Release, 5/28/14)

“The American Council for Clean Coal Electricity said EPA’s proposal would effectively ban new coal generation, since it will require a technology that is not widely available.” (“Coal Rules Will Devastate, Say Biz Groups,” The Hill, 5/13/14)

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