Don’t Limit EPA’s Authority to Reduce Carbon Pollution

Jul 25, 2011

Dear Representative:

The Appropriations Bill for Interior, Environment and Other Related Agencies (H.R. 2584) contains riders that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from controlling greenhouse gas pollution from coal-fired power plants and other stationary sources. It would also prevent EPA from issuing new, stricter fuel efficiency standards for cars and light duty trucks after 2016 or setting any fuel efficiency standards for large truck. California would be prohibited from adopting stricter fuel efficiency standards and other states would be prevented from following its lead.

EPA’s regulations provide our only effective response to climate change. Strict fuel efficiency standards can deliver significant economic benefits in the near future. They will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and enable people in the United States to save as the price of gasoline rises,

The Senate has already convincingly rejected any legislation that restricts EPA’s authority under the Clean Air Act. The riders in H.R. 2584 attempt to use the budget process to enact the Inhofe/Upton bill (S. 482/H.R. 910) which failed to get even a majority in the Senate (S. Amdt. 183 to S. 493; Vote 54). Since these provisions are ultimately doomed to failure, they serve only to distract Congress from more the more pressing need to reduce the deficit.

FCNL urges you to reject all riders or amendments that impair EPA’s ability to protect our health and address climate change. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Marcia J. Cleveland
Legislative Representative
Sustainable Environment Program