For
Immediate Release
Jack
Mozloom, 202-406-4450 or 609-462-5610 (cell)
National Federation
of Independent Business (NFIB) announces court challenge to EPA rule seeking to
close down most of America’s electricity suppliers
Washington,
DC (October 23, 2015) – The
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today announced that it
will lead a coalition of business groups in a lawsuit to invalidate the EPA’s
new power plant rule, which forces states to shut down many of their electric
energy generators in favor of costly and alternatives that might not be as
reliable.
“The EPA is
doing an end-run around Congress by imposing in the form of regulation a law
that the legislative branch of government has already expressly rejected,” said
Karen Harned, Executive Director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center.
“This is a crystal clear violation of the constitutional separation of powers.”
The power
plant regulation is part of the Administration’s so-called Clean Power
Plan. It forces states to shutter coal-power electricity generators,
which supply most of America’s electricity, and submit plans for more
alternative energy sources. Even the administration expects the
regulation to drive up the cost of electricity, the impact of which will fall
hard on small businesses that depend heavily on affordable energy. NFIB research shows that
the cost of electricity is already a top concern among small business owners
across the country.
“Small
businesses will be squeezed between higher direct expenses and lower consumer
demand resulting from higher home electric bills,” said Harned. “Everyone
remembers the effect that high gasoline prices had on the economy. This
will have a similar effect except that it will be permanent.
“The EPA has
dramatically overstepped its authority here and the consequences for the
economy will be just as dramatic, especially for small businesses.”
NFIB has
been joined in the lawsuit by the Chamber of Commerce, the National Association
of Manufacturers, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, American
Chemistry Council, American Coke and Coal Chemicals Institute, American Foundry
Society, American Forest and Paper Association, American Iron and Steel
Institute, American Wood Council, Brick Industry Association, Electricity
Consumers Resource Council, Lignite Energy Council, National Lime Association, National
Oilseed Processors Association and Portland Cement Association.
To arrange
an interview please contact Kelly Klass.
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