WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 25, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) today voted to restore power to the states and court system by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to delay implementation of their new Clean Power Plan. The bill H.R.2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act requires EPA to delay this plan until the courts have completed the judicial review process. It also provides flexibility for states if they determine a plan would harm electric reliability or burden ratepayers. H.R. 2042 passed the House by a vote of 247 to 180.

“States have a critically important job of ensuring a reliable and affordable electricity supply for their constituents,” Rep. Olson said. “Sadly, EPA has gone rogue with this sweeping rule. This agency is seeking to fundamentally change how electricity is generated, distributed, and consumed in our country. Some estimates indicate that this rule could cost America almost half a trillion dollars by 2031. That’s why I support the Ratepayer Protection Act, which will delay implementation until both the courts and states have been able to assess the constitutionality of the rule AND any serious reliability or cost impacts it might have on our nation. I urge the Senate to move quickly as well.”

The Ratepayer Protection Act will:

Extend Compliance Dates: The bill would extend the rule’s compliance dates pending judicial review, including the dates for submission of state plans.

Safe Harbor for States to Protect Ratepayers: The bill would provide that no state shall be required to implement a state or federal plan that the state’s governor, in consultation with other relevant state officials, determines would have a significant adverse effect on (i) retail, commercial, or industrial ratepayers; or (ii) the reliability of the state’s electricity system.