Craighead County Justices Say No To EPA Regs

A proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gases drew a strong rebuke Monday night from Craighead County justices.

Justices voted 12-0 to approve a resolution to refrain from supporting the proposed EPA’s Clean Power Plan, which would require a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants by 2030 from 2005 levels, mainly targeting the nation’s fleet of more than 600 coal-fired plants that currently supply the lion’s share of the nation’s electricity needs.

“To try to put regulations on us in this way is ridiculous,” JP Dan Melton, who spoke in favor of the resolution, said.

Melton said he supported the resolution, in part, due to the increased cost of electricity from coal-powered plants from the regulation.

“It makes no sense to take a 40 percent hit for the rest of the world,” Melton said.

The two-page resolution, reads in part:

“The Craighead County Quorum Court respectfully calls for the Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw their illegal proposed guideline for the Clean Power Plan for Existing Power Plants, and that the concerns and principles herein conveyed by the duly elected local officials of the citizens of Craighead County be observed and respected in consideration of any rules or memorandum of understanding and future activities regarding the guidelines for Existing Power Plans,” the resolution read. “Craighead County respectfully refrains from supporting EPA’s illegal Clean Power Act for Existing Power Plants.”

Supporters of the plan have said it would help create a cleaner environment, while those opposed to the plan have cited higher utility bills and federal infringement on state and local decisions on the issue.

A copy of the letter will be sent Wednesday to the EPA and members of the state’s congressional delegation.