U.S. Chamber, Energy Trade Groups Urge Spending Panels to Block EPA Climate Rules

The Hill:

The groups oppose rules slated to take effect beginning early next year to limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and other large stationary sources, and the letters express concern that burdensome regulations could eventually apply to a large swath of the economy.

"There is the very real prospect that investments by businesses across the entire economy - the investments that will drive economic recovery and job creation - will be delayed, curtailed or, even worse, cancelled," states the letters to the spending panels obtained by The Hill.

The letters come ahead of the Senate Appropriations Committee markup of EPA's annual spending bill Thursday. Republicans may offer amendments to delay EPA rules, which could draw suppost from some centrist Democrats.

Also, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) is seeking a Senate vote this year on his bill that would impose a two-year delay on EPA rules for stationary sources, while Re. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) has floated a companion plan in the House, which is co-sponsored by Re. Rick Boucher (D-Va.).

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has said that he intends to bring up Rockefeller's bill this year.