Missouri will join more than 20 other states in a lawsuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Clean Power Plan,” that limits carbon emissions for states.

Attorney General Chris Koster tells the Missouri Electric Cooperatives he will join at least 20 other state attorneys general in challenging the Environmental Protection Agency's "clean power plan."  (courtesy, @MOAGOpress on Twitter)

Attorney General Chris Koster tells the Missouri Electric Cooperatives he will join at least 20 other state attorneys general in challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s “clean power plan.” (courtesy, @MOAGOpress on Twitter)

Attorney General Chris Koster criticized the plan’s compliance schedule and said the plan would hurt Missouri’s competitive advantage in electric rates. He said complying with EPA’s deadlines would cost the state more than $6-billion.

Koster said Missouri is already working toward cleaner energy production and said the state is better off maintaining its competitive advantage while developing that production on a “more reasonable timeline.”

“Renewable energy is a vital piece of our state’s energy portfolio,” Koster said. “It is essential, however, that we achieve this goal in an economically responsible way that makes sense for Missouri.”

Koster said he would join other states in challenging the new regulations when they are formally published. EPA has not publicly announced a firm publication date.

See his full speech here.

Koster, who is also a candidate for Governor, said Missouri has good reason to be skeptical of “sweeping regulatory schemes” imposed by EPA on Missouri residents and businesses. He noted Missouri’s successful challenges, since he has been Attorney General, of EPA regulations of mercury emissions and water rules, which he argued unlawfully encroached on Missouri’s sovereign authority to regulate its air and water.

“I will continue to fight against federal overreach and to keep Missouri strong,” Koster said.