Carper Applauds EPA Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule Announcement

WASHINGTON – Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, issued the following statement applauding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of the Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule, which reduces the economic impacts of stationary greenhouse gas source regulation by exempting smaller sources and a majority of the agriculture sector from obtaining construction and operating permits for greenhouse gas emissions:  

"This announcement is an important step in improving our nation’s air quality and protecting our economy, public health and environment from the long-term risks associated with greenhouse gas pollution. Large industries, like oil refineries and power plants, are the biggest offenders, emitting nearly 70 percent of greenhouse gases. With the tailoring rule, next year the EPA will focus on the biggest polluters and start addressing their greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring farmers and small businesses that help drive Delaware’s economy are not negatively impacted.

 "With today’s announcement and yesterday’s introduction of the American Power Act, we are demonstrating to the American public – and the rest of the world – that the United States is serious about implementing effective climate policy. I will continue working with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and my Congressional colleagues to ensure we pass comprehensive climate change legislation that cleans up our nation’s largest sources of greenhouse gas polluters, while also providing American jobs for a clean energy economy."