Critics on Carbon Rules: Get Ready for Higher Bills

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CBN News

A divisive debate over climate change has begun with President Barack Obama's sweeping new power plant regulations.

The president unveiled the plan to to cut so-called greenhouse gas emissions Monday, calling it the "single most important step" the United States has taken to combat a major global threat.

"We're the first generation to feel the impact of climate change," he opined. "We're the last generation that can do something about it."

The president said he's pushing to slash carbon dioxide limits 32 percent by 2030.

"The EPA is setting the first-ever nationwide standards to end the limitless dumping of carbon pollution from power plants," he said.

But some opponents are lining up to block the plan they say would drive up energy costs and cut jobs. A leading American coal company, Murray Energy, is filing five federal lawsuits to fight the new climate rules.

This new plan is also frustrating for leaders in at least 16 states who will face tougher carbon dioxide reduction targets than they originally planned under the president's previous proposal.

Many states have threatened not to obey the new rules, but the administration says states and coal producers will have some flexibility.

Still, even the White House estimates the emissions limits could cost $8.4 billion a year by 2030.

And Republican critics say the rules will also hit average citizens in their pocketbooks.

"It will also likely result in higher energy bills for those who can least afford them," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., warned.

The Chamber of Commerce characterized the plan as a power grab.

"With these rules, the EPA is trying to stretch its authority beyond recognition and to double down on its attempt to impose an unprecedented takeover of our energy system," the agency said.

The regulations will face several lawsuits in court, but the burden of the plan really falls on who Americans will elect as their next president in 2016 since the new rules don't actually take effect until after Obama leaves office.

So now the president's plan could become a campaign issue and Republican candidates are pushing back against it.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker tweeted, "Obama's plan should be called the costly power plan because it will cost hard-working Americans jobs and raise their energy rates."

And former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee tweeted, "Obama's carbon crusade shows he's more committed to confronting American coal miners than Iranian clerics who chant 'Death to America.'"