House moves to vote on EPA bill Tuesday

The House on Monday moved full steam ahead with a bill that would curb the regulatory powers of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy and Power Subcommittee marked up the Electricity Security and Affordability Act from Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY), and the bill is expected to receive a vote Tuesday on the House floor.

The bill would push back against what Republicans say is the Obama administration’s “War on Coal” and require more transparency from the EPA.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is teaming with House Republicans on the bill to curtail what they see as “regulatory overreach” by the EPA. Both Manchin and Whitfield come from heavy coal-producing states.

“The Electricity Security and Affordability Act would rein in the EPA’s overreach on greenhouse gas emission standards for coal-fired power plants by ensuring that regulations are based on technology that is proven and commercially available for use,” Manchin said last week when he introduced the bill. “It’s time we strike a balance between a healthy environment and a healthy economy. And that’s what our legislation does.”

Manchin, a Democrat, is facing sharp criticism environmental groups for pushing the bill at a time when many believe more regulations could have prevented the recent spill near Charleston.

The senator introduced the bill just a few days before the spill.