Bill would delay CPP implementation until additional nations act

Rep. Keith Rothfus, R-Pa., recently introduce legislation that aims to prevent the Clean Power Plan for taking effect until countries accounting for at least 80 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions enact similar regulations.

The bill, titled “Fighting Against Imbalanced Regulatory Burdens Act of 2015,” or H.R. 4169, was introduced Dec. 3 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Finance. To date, 10 cosponsors have signed on to support the measure, including Reps. Andy Barr, R-Ky.; Kevin Cramer, R-ND; David B. McKinley, R-W.V.; Alexander X. Mooney, R-W.V.; Kristi L. Noem, R-S.D.; Robert Pittenger, R-N.C.; David Rouzer, R-N.C.; Marlin A. Stutzman, R-Ind.; Rand K. Weber Sr., R-Texas; and Ryan Zinke, R-Mont.

The text of the legislation explains the bill would prohibit regulations concerning emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units from taking effect until a sufficient number of countries have put into effect regulations concerning carbon dioxide emissions that are at least as stringent as the regulations enacted under the Clean Power Plan. The bill defines “sufficient number” as the number of countries, in aggregate, that account for at least 80 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, excluding U.S. emissions, in the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which the regulation under this act would be enforced.

“The American people cannot and should not be unfairly burdened with imbalanced and ineffective climate change rules. Other nations that are major contributors to global carbon must also commit to similarly stringent standards. Without greater cooperation from countries like China, imposing harsher regulatory burdens on the U.S. is unfair and will be a fast track for sending jobs overseas. It will also be ineffective. The EPA’s own analysis of an already finalized major rule, the Clean Power Plan, suggests that it would only reduce global temperatures by 0.018 degrees Celsius by the end of the century,” Rothfus said.  “Abundant, affordable, and reliable energy is vital to well-paying jobs in Western Pennsylvania. Any policy we undertake should be carefully considered for effectiveness, fairness, and its impact on the lives and livelihoods of the American people.”