Contacts:
Matt Dempsey Matt_Dempsey@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-9797
David Lungren David_Lungren@epw.senate.gov (202) 224-5642
Oklahomans Voice Concerns about EPA Takeover of Haze Rule
Inhofe Notes Diverse, Growing Coalition Opposed to EPA Haze Decision
Washington, D.C. - Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today applauded Oklahomans who appeared before a meeting of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission on EPA's proposed regional haze plan. State residents expressed concerns that EPA's takeover of Oklahoma's regulatory authority could cost them $2 billion in new utility costs.
Inhofe noted the growing and diverse coalition concerned about EPA's recent decision to reject Oklahoma's regional haze plan, and its further decision to take over the state's authority to address regional haze. Importantly, the EPA plan fails to allow the flexibility for Oklahoma utilities necessary to address higher costs imposed on consumers. As the top Republican on the Senate EPW Committee, which oversees EPA, Inhofe has a been vocal critic of EPA's overreach and has urged public input on EPA's takeover.
"Today, a growing coalition of diverse Oklahomans united in their opposition to EPA's takeover, and the impacts it would have on their businesses and utility bills," Senator Inhofe said. "I want them to know I stand with them, and will use my authority as Ranking Member of the EPW Committee to ensure EPA is listening.
"I want to thank the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for holding today's hearing. As I've stated before, these hearings are critically important: they provide Oklahoma consumers the opportunity to examine EPA's fatally flawed rejection of our regional haze plan, and to discuss its negative impacts on their budgets, their businesses, and their commutes."
As announced last week, the EPA will also be holding upcoming public hearings in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Related:
EPA Agrees to Inhofe Request for Haze Hearing in Tulsa
Inhofe: EPA Overreaches in Oklahoma
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