04.17.09

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.