WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci (OH-16) applauded the passage of the Ratepayer Protection Act to place jurisdiction back in the hands of the states in regards to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) so-called Clean Power Plan.

In June 2014, EPA proposed a rule to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants, also referred to as the Clean Power Plan.  Under the proposal, each state would be required to develop a plan to achieve EPA mandated carbon reduction targets starting in 2020 and with a final compliance date of 2030. If EPA does not approve a state submitted plan, then the state would become subject to an EPA plan.  

“Since 2005, Ohio has been on track to reduce overall power plant emissions by 47 percent. Continuing to place burdensome and costly federal regulations on our energy producers will only harm consumers in the long run,” said Renacci.

An analysis of the Clean Power Plan conducted by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission predicted that wholesale market energy prices would be 39 percent higher by 2025, costing Ohioans 2.5 billion dollars.

“I will continue to support an all of the above energy strategy that strengthens Ohio job creation and economic growth, protects consumers from higher energy prices and maintains the role of states to develop environmental policies that reflect the best interests of local citizens,” Renacci said.

The Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 2042), which passed the House with Renacci’s strong support, will delay the proposal’s compliance deadline until all judicial reviews are finalized and will ensure that no state will be required to implement a plan if it would have a significant negative impact on their state’s electricity prices or economic well-being.

H.R. 2042 will now head to the U.S. Senate for their consideration.

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