EPA Endangerment Finding Fuels Damaging Economic Uncertainty

WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) today released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed decision to regulate Carbon Dioxide and other gases. Rep. Issa has twice written to the Obama Administration expressing concern about the endangerment finding but has yet to receive a response.

“Today’s decision adds uncertainty for businesses already struggling in the current economy.  The prospect of new, yet uncertain, regulations on the use of energy will give pause to businesses considering new construction or investments.

“Administration officials themselves have described this new regulatory approach as problematic, an approach of second choice to Congressional action.

“By pushing forward a flawed approach, this Administration is playing a game of chicken with Congress over regulations and our economy: either pass legislation or force economically damaging new regulations on businesses.”

A U.S. Chamber of Commerce report explains that proposed regulations do not stop at power plants and factories.  The report found that the following emit enough carbon dioxide to land in the crosshairs of new Federal permitting requirements:

• 100,000 schools and other educational facilities;
• 92,000 health care facilities;
• 71,000 hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities;
• 58,000 food service industry buildings;
• 37,000 houses of religious worship