Resolution; opposing Environmental Protection Agency's emissions standards; calling on the Attorney General to oppose emission standards.
Impact
The resolution argues that the proposed EPA standards could lead to the premature shutdown of power plants across Oklahoma, resulting in increased costs to ratepayers, job losses in the energy sector, and overall decreased reliability of the power grid. By framing the EPA's regulations as detrimental not just to economic factors, but also to the well-being of Oklahomans, the resolution aims to reinforce the narrative that the state should have the authority to control its public utility regulations independently.
Summary
House Resolution 1012 (HR1012) is a resolution introduced in the Oklahoma House of Representatives calling for the Attorney General to oppose the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Federal Implementation Plan for Cross-State Air Pollution Standards. The resolution highlights Oklahoma's historical commitment to maintaining affordable and reliable power for its citizens, emphasizing that Oklahoma's power plant emissions have significantly decreased over the past decade without federal intervention. The bill seeks to draw attention to what the authors perceive as a federal overreach that threatens state sovereignty in managing its public utilities.
Conclusion
HT1012 reflects broader themes of states' rights and skepticism towards federal regulations, particularly in areas concerning environmental policy. Through this resolution, Oklahoma's legislature is advocating for the autonomy of state governance, particularly over critical services like power utilities, indicating a clear position against federal overreach in the realm of environmental protections.
Contention
Supporters of HR1012 contend that Oklahoma has demonstrated an effective ability to manage emissions on its own and that federal intervention is unnecessary and harmful to state interests. Conversely, those opposing the resolution might argue that federal regulations are essential for ensuring environmental protections and public health across states, suggesting a conflict between state and federal powers regarding environmental governance. The resolution intensifies the ongoing debate over what role the state versus the federal government should play in environmental regulation.
Requests the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to rely on state regulators when developing guidelines for regulating carbon dioxide emissions from fossil-fueled power plants.
An Act Concerning The Repeal Of California Vehicle Emission Standards And The Utilization Of United States Environmental Protection Agency Vehicle Emissions Standards.
Urges and requests the United States Environmental Protection Agency not to adopt the proposed guidelines on carbon dioxide emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired electric units
Authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a public comment process on and submit to the General Assembly a measure or action intended to abate, control or limit carbon dioxide emissions by imposing a revenue-generating tax or fee on carbon dioxide emissions; and abrogating regulations.