DUSTIN GAWRYLOW: SUPPORT THE MURKOWSKI AMENDMENT
In recent days, special interest groups have started airing ads against the Murkowski Amendment.
The potential amendment, which could be added on to a debt ceiling bill the Senate is expected to take up this week, could mirror one she offered in September that would have prevented the EPA from issuing regulations for one year; that measure was blocked by Democratic leaders. Short of an amendment, Murkowski might offer a resolution disapproving of EPA efforts to curb emissions from power plants and other major facilities.
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***Today, we need you to do three things***
#1 Call Senator Dorgan's Fargo Office @ 1-(701)-239-5389
#2 Call Senator Conrad's Bismarck Office @ 1-(701)-258-4648
#3 Email both Senator's Conrad and Dorgan by clicking here.
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Background Information on Murkowski Resolution
- With "cap and trade" legislation stalled in the Senate, the EPA is moving forward to regulate carbon under the Clean Air Act.
- With the EPA's recent "endangerment finding" for greenhouse gases, i.e. carbon dioxide; EPA is extending the government's reach even further into our daily lives. This will occur through massive regulations that damage our economy, destroy jobs, and ruin America's global competitiveness.
- In addition to all the vehicles produced in America, the EPA thinks its regulations will snare some six million buildings, facilities, farms, and other "stationary source" establishments. Hospitals, schools - even the local dry cleaners - will face a steep new financial and administrative burdens as the EPA forces them to obtain new permits and purchase expensive new equipment and technologies.
- The EPA has tried to dial back this looming regulatory nightmare, but that plan is fatally flawed as well. The agency proposed a so-called "tailoring" rule that targets the largest emitters - the ones that produce our energy and make the goods that drive our economy. But in most states, that rule wouldn't shield smaller emitters. It is just a matter of time until the courts toss it for violating the law, but even if it somehow survives, the EPA has already made clear that it will only last for a couple years.
- Now that climate legislation is running on empty, though, the EPA is trying to finalize its "backdoor" regulations. The result will be that everything becomes more expensive at a time we can least afford it. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act will undoubtedly increase the cost of energy, increase the cost of doing business, increase the cost of consumer products, and jeopardize millions of jobs by putting U.S. manufacturers at a disadvantage against foreign competitors.
- The good news is that the EPA's regulations are not yet inevitable. A total of 41 Republican and Democratic Senators, led by Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have introduced a "resolution of disapproval" (S.J.Res. 26) that would prevent the EPA from wreaking economic havoc. It effectively tells EPA to go back to the drawing board and not move forward with the regulations.
- This resolution will prevent the EPA from issuing greenhouse gas regulations. It would not prevent Congress from working on future legislation. It would not change the Clean Air Act in any way.
- The disapproval resolution needs a total of 51 votes to pass the Senate. So call your local Senators today, and tell them to do what's right for America - and to support its passage.
Dustin Gawrylow, Executive Director
Office Phone: (701) 751-2530
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