Experts Questioned on EPA Regulations and Job Loss

As a senior member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, I questioned witnesses at a joint hearing held by the Subcommittees on Energy and Environment. The hearing focused on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules on carbon capture and storage for new power plants. I questioned witnesses on how the EPA’s actions will affect consumers, businesses, and economic growth.

Witnesses testified that EPA’s rules would increase energy costs for consumers and make energy supplies less reliable for businesses. The economic cost will be significant: I cited a report that projects 600,000 American jobs will be lost by 2023 because of EPA’s policies. Texas will see 25,000 jobs killed. The 19th Congressional District will lose more than 420 jobs—nearly equivalent to the entire population of Ropesville.

I have repeatedly pressed EPA officials to use sound science in rulemaking, rather than political bias.