Stein, Robb Blasdel Fight Back Against EPA Regulations

COLUMBUS- The Ohio House of Representatives recently adopted House Resolution 469, legislation sponsored by State Reps. Dick Stein (R-Norwalk) and Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana). 

House Resolution 469 would urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw its proposed regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and urge the United States Congress to take action to prevent the regulations from taking effect.

“We must have an adequate supply of dispatchable generators to meet Ohio’s and our region’s needs,” said Robb Blasdel. “The recent EPA rules will end all fossil fuel construction for the foreseeable future. House Resolution 469 is demanding the federal government to stop the madness!”

The proposed regulations would set unachievable and unrealistic timelines to reduce carbon emissions, which will negatively affect new and existing natural gas plants and ensure coal power plants will need to shut down by 2035. Additionally, the rules would require the adoption of new technologies, related to clean hydrogen and carbon capture, that are not commercially available and are not required by the federal Clean Air Act.

The U.S. EPA regulations do not consider the reliability of natural gas to Ohio’s electric grid, especially during extreme weather events. Additionally, they do not consider the role that natural gas is already playing in reducing CO2 emissions in the United States. 

“Now is not the time for the Biden Administration to put limits on our sources of energy,” said Stein. “Our energy grid is fragile. We must utilize all energy resources to ensure Ohioans aren’t left in the dark. Ohio and the PJM region must be able to provide reliable and affordable electricity for rate payers across our state without interference from an overreaching federal government.”

House Resolution 469 will be sent to the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the President Pro Tempore and Secretary of the U.S. Senate, the Speaker and Clerk of the U.S House of Representatives, the members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, the Administrator of the U.S. EPA.