Isakson: Emissions Ruling Would Have Dramatic Negative Effects on the Economy

Jan 25, 2010

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today joined with 39 of his colleagues in co-sponsoring a bipartisan disapproval resolution to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.

“This backdoor attempt to regulate greenhouse gases would have dramatic negative effects on our manufacturing sector while also causing significant increases in the cost of power generation,” Isakson said. “While we should take proactive steps to reduce our emissions footprint, it is absolutely essential to address the economic impact of these measures on our economy.”

On Dec. 7, 2009, the EPA announced its finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health. The endangerment finding took effect on Jan. 14, 2010, and clears the way for the EPA to present its first greenhouse gas rules by March 2010.

Isakson believes it is the responsibility of Congress to address the issue of climate change.

Upon introduction, a disapproval resolution is referred to the committee of jurisdiction, which in this case will be the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. If the committee does not favorably report the resolution within 20 calendar days, it may be discharged upon petition by 30 senators. Once a disapproval resolution is placed on the Senate calendar, it is then subject to expedited consideration on the Senate floor and is not subject to filibuster.