Murkowski opposes using Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions

April 17, 2009
11:14 AM
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 CONTACT: ROBERT DILLON (202) 224-6977
April 17, 2009                                           or ANNE JOHNSON (202) 224-7875                                   
 
MURKOWSKI OPPOSES USING CLEAN AIR ACT TO REGULATE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today voiced strong opposition to Environmental Protection Agency regulation of global climate change through the Clean Air Act.  The EPA today announced an endangerment finding and their intention to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
 
“Placing a mandatory cap on carbon emissions has serious implications for every corner of our already fragile economy,” Murkowski said.  “The Clean Air Act was not designed to address carbon emissions, and is, at best, a very blunt instrument.  I’m disappointed the administration has chosen to act on its own.”
 
Reducing domestic carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions is likely to cost American families several thousand dollars a year in higher energy costs.  Addressing climate change is an important challenge that must be tackled, but it should be done through an open and deliberative process in Congress, Murkowski said.
 
“Congress should be given the time to thoroughly consider the benefits and risks of legislation to curb emissions,” Murkowski said.
 
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For further information, please contact Robert Dillon at 202.224.6977 or Robert_dillon@energy.senate.gov or Anne Johnson at 202.224.7875 or anne_johnson@energy.senate.gov.