Representative Ted Poe, who represents Texas' 2nd Congressional District, posted an article at Human Events today about the ongoing battle between Texas and the federal government.
Representative Poe reports:
"Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leadership continued their game of hardball by stripping Texas of its authority to issue greenhouse gas permits. It is painfully obvious that the EPA is making an example out of Texas. Out of the 13 states that initially objected to the EPA's efforts to regulate, Texas is the only one who has not surrendered to the intrusion of the federal government. As a result, the EPA is punishing Texas for not giving in to their demands."
The issue is whether or not the Obama Administration can implement the Cap and Trade legislation that did not pass Congress by using the Environmental Protection Agency. Representative Poe introduced H. R. 153, the Ensuring Affordable Energy Act, to stop efforts to use the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a program that Congress failed to pass.
Representative Poe states:
"Instead of making an example out of Texas, perhaps the EPA should use Texas as an example. Texas has simultaneously improved its environment and economy. The Texas Flexible Permitting Program has been successful in reducing emissions and allowing industries in Texas to thrive. According to a report from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the ozone levels in Texas decreased by 27 percent between 2000 and 2009. The national average decrease in ozone levels over this same time period was 12 percent. Our state is dedicated to finding cleaner energy alternatives, but we also know that we need to utilize our known sources of energy effectively and safely."
Thank you, sir, for your willingness to stand up to the government when it oversteps its authority.
Leave a comment