Inhofe, Senators File Amicus Brief on EPA's Overreach Implementing GHG Permits

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, was joined by Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) Monday in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Utility Air Regulatory Group v. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the amicus brief, the Senators asks that the Supreme Court remand the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that upheld the EPA's authority to require permits for greenhouse gases (GHG) under the Clean Air Act.

"The EPA's expansive power under the Obama Administration has resulted in overregulation that is stalling economic growth and opportunity in the United States," said Inhofe. "The Clean Air Act (CAA) was never designed to regulate greenhouse gases, and former EPA administrator Lisa Jackson even admitted in 2009 that these costly regulations alone will not move the needle on climate change. The EPA has had flagrant disregard for the facts and have implemented rules that are stifling job creation and innovation. I urge the Supreme Court to give our brief the utmost attention and to return a decision that reigns in big government and benefits the American people."

"The EPA has time and time again stretched the Clean Air Act to continue their war on affordable energy for families and job creators in states like Missouri," said Blunt. "The Obama Administration continues to sidestep Congress by forcing the regulation of greenhouse gases through the Clean Air Act -- even though the Act's authors have said it was never meant to be used for that purpose. These regulations punish our nation's most vulnerable families who are hurt the most by high energy bills. I will continue to fight against the Obama Administration's burdensome regulations and promote smart policies that encourage more American energy and more American jobs."

"This Administration has abused its authority under the Clean Air Act to expand rules controlling greenhouse gas emissions," said Fischer. "I hope the Supreme Court will recognize the limits of the law and rein in EPA before its regulatory overreach causes even more damage to our economy."

"Throughout this administration, a pattern of overreach by federal agencies has resulted in the implementation of laws and regulations never contemplated by those in Congress." said Roberts. "This is why I proudly joined my colleagues yesterday in filing an amicus brief which correctly argues that use of Prevention of Significant Deterioration permits to regulate GHG's from stationary sources of emissions runs counter to clear congressional intent . It is critically important that the Supreme Court understand this and remand the lower court's previous decision."