Business groups submit Clean Power Plan concerns to EPA

In the wake of the recently introduced Ratepayer Protection Act, which aims to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan, several trade organizations have submitted comments expressing their concern to the EPA.

“EPA’s proposal to regulate carbon from existing power plants is one of the most complex regulations ever put forth. It also appears to be one of the costliest,” the National Black Chamber of Commerce said in a submitted comment.

The EPA’s rule seeks to improve air quality by setting mandatory carbon dioxide goals for the electricity systems in each state, but the associated costs have caused some states, members of Congress and energy stakeholders to protest. Specifically, they are concerned about increased costs for ratepayers, which, according to National Economic Research Associates, would increase by an average of 15 percent across all states.

“It is critical that the regulations coming out of Washington protect small-business owners, in all communities, from increased electricity costs,” the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said in a comment.

The Ratepayer Protection Act -- introduced by U.S. Reps. Ed Whitfield (R-KY), chairman of the House Energy and Power Subcommittee; Sanford Bishop (D-GA); Morgan Griffith (R-VA); and Collin Peterson (D-MN) -- seeks to allow state governors to opt out of a state or federal plan if they decide, with other state officials, that it would have significant adverse effects on their states.

“If this rule is finalized, we can expect fewer families to realize the American dream of homeownership,” the National Association of Realtors in a comment.