Bill would stop Clean Power Plan

Like many of my colleagues, I was elected by the people of my district to limit the effect of government in their lives. This is why I am working to stop the EPA from forcing utilities to raise electricity rates on families and businesses in Missouri.

The EPA has issued its so-called "Clean Power Plan" purportedly to reduce carbon emissions from existing and new electrical power plants, chiefly coal plants. Although the rule is supposed to protect the planet, EPA administrator Gina McCarthy has conceded the rule will not affect global warming. What it will do is hurt every family and business in the state.

The rule is unconstitutional and flawed, so it is no surprise that 27 states, including Missouri, sued the EPA.

Missouri families would be especially hard hit by this new rule. Missouri uses 83 percent coal in the production of our electricity. According to a study by NERA Economic Consulting, this EPA rule will mean an average rate increase to Missouri families and business of 24 percent. This is unacceptable.

Not only would Missourians pay higher electricity bills, but so would every restaurant, day-care center, church, police station, school and manufacturer like Noranda.

Missouri must push back against this federal power grab. That's why I've introduced HB1470, the Interstate Power Compact. This bill will protect Missourians by joining other states to resist EPA's sweeping new regulations that will do little but cost families money.

REP. ERIC BURLISON, 133rd District,

Springfield, Missouri