|
|
 |
|
The
views expressed
on this page are soley those of the author and do not
necessarily
represent the views of County News Online
|
 |
State Representative Jim Buchy
President
Obama’s Energy Mandates Threaten Ohio’s Economic Growth
President Obama’s emissions and clean energy mandates will slow our
economy and raise electric bills. The price tag for the President’s
mandates will plague Americans even after President Obama becomes
distant memory. A majority of the energy requirements that make up the
Environmental Protection Agency’s 111d section will require tax dollars
to be allocated for wind turbines and solar panels. However, the best
option for a stronger economy is affordable energy that powers business
and job growth.
The Environmental Protection Agency has established a three-tier
building block with guidelines that may increase energy costs for
citizens and businesses throughout Ohio. Affordable energy is a key
factor in driving economic competition, allowing sustainable operation
costs for businesses to grow in the state of Ohio. Section 111d
standards will hinder economic growth and increase utility costs for
Americans. The 111d section will place increased regulation on carbon
dioxide emissions for coal and natural gas powered plants, which could
force power production plants to shut down, raising our electric bills.
The threat posed by the EPA in section 111d has been a focus of the
Ohio Legislature for over a year. In the 130th Ohio General Assembly,
the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 506. The bill was
introduced to stop the federal EPA from restricting Ohio’s energy
prosperity. Under House Bill 506 section 111d would not have the
ability to cripple Ohio’s economy. The bill, which eventually died in
the Senate, established guard rails for the Ohio EPA as they outlined
an energy plan compliant with 111d. Any steps to modernize energy
production should be done strategically.
In many cases, alternative energy is unaffordable without government
grants. The focus should be creating energy reliance on clean, American
sourced and dependable energy. Avoiding alternative energy funded by
government handouts will provide energy security when the federal
dollars are no longer allocated.
In the 131st General Assembly, House Bill 349 has been introduced.
House Bill 349 will require the legislature to have input in all 111d
proposals submitted to the federal EPA. In order for Ohioans to
be protected from high electric costs, the EPA emissions plan must be
verified by state leaders who answer to the voters. The Environmental
Protection Agency should not be trusted to make decisions of this
magnitude without the consent of Ohio’s elected legislators. Currently,
the EPA has the ability to set regulations without voter input. House
Bill 349 would balance the power of the EPA.
Keeping a watchful eye on the regulation of the Environment Protection
Agency is important at the state and federal levels to ensure cost
efficient and environmentally sound power production. We will work
diligently to provide affordable price protection on electric bills in
Ohio and a clean environment.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and other issues in the news
by completing a brief online survey at tinyurl.com/buchydecember2015
|
|
|
|
