Congress is responsible for cutting greenhouse gases, not EPA bureaucrats

It seems most people want to cut down on greenhouse gases so we can protect the Earth's atmosphere and boost our energy independence. Many members of Congress are working on ideas and seeking support to do that in various energy bills being written and debated right now.

EPA Considering New Regulations

At the same time, I've heard concern from Nebraskans about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has taken some steps to control greenhouse gases with new regulations under the Clean Air Act.

That's why I recently signed onto a bipartisan resolution of disapproval with several dozen colleagues. Some critics have said that we are attacking the science examining changes in the climate. Some other critics say we are trying to undo the Clean Air Act.

Neither is the least bit true. We simply seek to stop an EPA overreach on regulating greenhouse gases.

Congress Should Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions While Protecting American Jobs

Those who cosponsored the resolution agree that controlling carbon emission is the job of Congress, not unaccountable government bureaucrats at the EPA. In my view, the U.S. should stop sending so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, but not through costly and complicated EPA regulations, or a disadvantageous cap and trade proposal in Congress, both of which would jeopardize countless jobs in America.

We should cut those emissions as part of a comprehensive energy bill that promotes efficiencies and renewable energy--which Nebraska has in abundant wind, sunshine and biofuels. We should encourage innovation and new technology that will help our state's economy as we clean up the air. And we don't need EPA looking over Congress' shoulder telling us we're not moving fast enough.

I am very concerned about the impact on Nebraska if EPA moves ahead. Nebraska agricultural, industrial and energy-related businesses and organizations have warned me about steep costs they would have to shoulder from EPA regulations.

EPA Regulations Would Boost Nebraska Energy Prices

EPA regulations would amount to a government-directed mandate that would hike energy prices in Nebraska. That burden would fall squarely on the shoulders of Nebraska families, farmers and businesses.

Our resolution of disapproval wouldn't change or in any way alter the words or even a comma in the Clean Air Act. It would only block a far-reaching and reckless expansion of the Clean Air Act's implementation.

Farm And Ranch Groups Support Bipartisan Resolution

The American Farm Bureau Federation supports our resolution of disapproval, which was authored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Farm Bureau delegates recently said that if the EPA goes ahead "many small and medium-sized farms and ranches" would be "caught up in" the EPA rules.

"How carbon emissions should be regulated is a matter to be decided by elected officials; that debate is now going on Capitol Hill," says Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman. Dozens of farm groups across the country also have warned that EPA regulations would put America's agricultural economy at "grave risk." They include these groups in Nebraska: Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association, Nebraska Soybean Association, Nebraska Wheat Board and the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association.

Congress can decide a better way forward to curb greenhouse gases that won't get bogged down in legal battles the EPA would run into, and won't harm our economy. I'm looking forward to us getting that job done.