State lawmakers will try to use their budget power to stop the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Clean Power Plan” from being implemented in Missouri. The plan would cut power plant carbon emissions nationwide 30% by 2030.
Scott Fitzpatrick (photo courtesy; Tim Bommel, Missouri House Communications)
House budget committee vice chair Scott Fitzpatrick (R-Shell Knob) said the EPA’s regulations would cost the state billions to implement.
“We need to add limiting language into the budget that would stop the Department of Natural Resources from beginning implementation of a statewide energy plan, which was part of what was required under the Clean Power Plan,” said Fitzpatrick.
“I think when stating the purpose of an appropriation, part of that is stating specifically what you don’t think that appropriation should be used for. All it does is clarify the intent of the legislature.”
“The EPA tried to shift a huge burden of administration and implementation on to the state, the Department of Natural Resources specifically,” said House budget chairman, Tom Flanigan (R-Carthage).
“This is our way of taking control of our state’s resources making sure we have Missourians’ best interests in mind.”
The U.S. Supreme Court this week ruled to temporarily block the plan. A stay application was filed by Missouri and several other states that are suing the EPA, claiming the agency is exceeding its authority in issuing the regulations.