US Reps from Mo. to propose blocking EPA gas rules

Associated Press ^ | February 2, 2010 | Chris Blank

[reaganaut1]

Two congressional members from Missouri said Tuesday that they plan to file legislation blocking the Environmental Protection Agency from developing its own greenhouse gas rules.

U.S. Reps. Ike Skelton, a Democrat, and Jo Ann Emerson, a Republican, sharply criticized federal environmental regulators and warned that because EPA officials are not elected, the agency is not accountable to the farmers, business owners and other Missouri residents who could be hurt.

The EPA had concluded in December that that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases represent a danger to public health, which allows it to consider rules limiting them. That decision stems from a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that found greenhouse gases are air pollutants under federal clean-air laws.

But the two Missouri lawmakers say Congress did not intend to give the EPA the authority to regulate greenhouse gases through the Clean Air Act.

"The EPA is controlled by bureaucrats who are not elected and are responsible only to the head of the EPA who is from New Jersey," said Skelton, who represents central and western Missouri. "And I doubt that they understand mid-America, the Midwest, agriculture and what our farmers need to continue to do a good job for our country."

The EPA has said scientific evidence demonstrates that greenhouse gases "threaten the public health and welfare of the American people" and that the pollutants — mainly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels — should be reduced. That could be done by Congress or by the EPA.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, who was chief of staff for New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, has said there were no further excuses for delaying and that agency was "obligated to make reasonable efforts to reduce greenhouse pollutants."

[Judith Anne]

It is a win/win for pols and bureaucrats. The pols get to slough off the unpopular issues and look like heroes as they combat the evil bureaucrats, while the EPA can wage radical environmental jihad without worrying about those pesky voters.

I have never seen this dreadful truth expressed better than this. That is a concise explanation, beautifully stated, perfectly on target.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Skelton voted for Cap & Trade.
This is just window dressing.

[Steve Newton]

I must say I have been rather proud of MOST of our Missouri reps lately.

I think it’s time to bring back the “SHOW ME” state and the kicking Missouri mule.

[o_zarkman44]

Ike Skelton and Emerson are Democrats trying to salvage a chance at re-election. It won’t work. The past few votes they have registered were their end of usefulness to Missourians.

[o_zarkman44]

Correct me on Emerson, she is a RINO.......hard to tell the difference from a Rat.

[rface]

looks like a good thing.....Ike Skelton (D) is one of the co-signers.....so I think it has some chance to get somewhere.