Today, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R.-WV, and Congressman David McKinley, R-WV introduced the “Protect America's Energy and Manufacturing Jobs Act.”
“As my first piece of legislation in the 112th Congress, I have introduced a bill which seeks to delay for two years any action by the EPA to regulate carbon dioxide and methane gases under the Clean Air Act,” Capito said in announcing the legislation. “I cannot imagine an issue more timely or more relevant to the West Virginia economy than preventing the EPA’s regulatory overreach from killing jobs and raising energy prices across the board.”
“Although I do not believe the EPA should be granted this authority whatsoever, and I favor permanent suspension, I am confident that my bill has enough support to seriously hinder the EPA’s power,” Capito continued. “As I’ve learned first-hand, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is keenly committed to enforcing the Administration’s anti-coal agenda with no regard for the devastating effects on our local and national economies. As a Member of Congress, I will do whatever I can to put a stop-gap on this power grab.”
“The legislation will ensure the EPA’s reckless greenhouse gas regulations will be delayed so that the courts, Congress and possibly another president have time to completely stop them,” McKinley said.
“Time is of the essence. The Democrats failed to act in any way to stop the EPA from implementing new rules pertaining to greenhouse gas emissions on January 2, 2011. Without Congressional action to say otherwise, the EPA will continue to dismantle energy and manufacturing industries through regulation.”
McKinley said the Obama’s war on coal must stop and both he and Capito are committed to protecting West Virginia’s coal mining families.
“Rep. Capito is exactly on target with this piece of legislation,” McKinley said. “While we both would strongly prefer a permanent solution, we can’t waste another second. I will be a forceful advocate for the ‘Protect America’s Energy and Manufacturing Jobs Act’ because I promised I would protect West Virginia jobs, and this legislation is the best vehicle to do so at this time.
“If the EPA’s job-killing regulations are allowed to remain in effect, their overreach will result in fewer jobs in West Virginia and higher energy prices for our people. This is unacceptable, and that’s why I have stepped up to address this issue.”
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito added, “I knew I could count on David to stand up for West Virginia. Having him on board with this bill – especially considering his assignment to the Energy and Commerce Committee – will strengthen our chances of getting this crucial piece of legislation through the House.”
McKinley concluded, "I have said for many months that curbing this out-of-control EPA will be one of my highest priorities. This is exactly why it was so important for me to have the opportunity to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and work side by side with Rep. Capito on this very important and timely legislation. Radical environmentalists should not be allowed to hold West Virginia jobs hostage any longer.”