ATLANTA (February 2, 2016) | Sen. Charlie Bethel (R – Dalton) has filed legislation that would enter the state of Georgia in the Interstate Power Compact upon legislative approval. The Interstate Power Compact seeks to increase state autonomy over environmental protections and provide more affordable access to reliable sources of electricity. Senate Bill 311 has been assigned to the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee.
“The new carbon emission regulations announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will increase costs and slow the efficiency of state and regional electric market operations. The Clean Power Plan prevents states from regulating their own markets by infringing on a federal law already granting this authority,” said Sen. Bethel.
The EPA announced final state guidelines targeting carbon dioxide emission limits from power plants in August 2015, reportedly in accordance with Section 111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act. However, no studies on the global impact of the new guidelines have been identified or released by the EPA. The Clean Power Plan removes oversight of electricity markets from individual states and places it with the federal government. As a result, consumer access to efficient, reliable and affordable electricity is at risk.
The Interstate Power Compact allows suspension of the new regulations through an agreement of states. Under the Compact, member states are held accountable for the prevention of air pollution through the following conditions:
• States must submit carbon reduction plans based on achievable outcomes within existing power plants, using present fuel and boiler designs, as well as prohibit state agencies from Clean Power Plan compliance
• States must pursue Congressional consent for a Clean Power Plan opt-out provision by prohibiting the EPA from imposing a federal plan
Several states are considering legislation to formally enter the Interstate Power Compact in 2016. The Compact will become effective once it is adopted by two or more states. If Congress consents to the Compact, it will also consent to any amendment adopted under the Compact. States are permitted to withdraw from the Compact, and the Compact will be dissolved when only one state remains.
# # # #
For Immediate Release:
February 2, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028