Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) criticized the Biden Administration's new EPA mandate, expressing concerns about its potential negative impact on American workers and job creators. McConnell stated, “The vast majority of these emissions come from sources like wildfires and dust from agriculture and roads that are not easily contained and – in some cases – impossible to control.” He further added, “We’re talking about a climate boogeyman conjured out of smoke and dust.”

McConnell highlighted the economic implications of the new EPA standard, particularly for states like Kentucky. He mentioned, “The EPA’s new standard is so strict that when it takes effect, 30 percent of U.S. counties, including many in my home state of Kentucky, would immediately find themselves out of compliance, grounding manufacturing growth to a halt.” McConnell also pointed out the potential repercussions of the mandate, such as offshoring manufacturing jobs, greater reliance on China, and higher prices for Americans.

Kentucky’s Attorney General, Russell Coleman, is leading a lawsuit alongside West Virginia to challenge the EPA’s mandate. McConnell noted the support from various states in opposing the regulation, stating, “Unlike the Biden Administration, local and state leaders understand just how damaging this new rule would be for workers and job creators back home.” He announced the introduction of a resolution under the Congressional Review Act to prevent the EPA from implementing the regulation, emphasizing Senate Republicans' commitment to supporting American workers and job creators in the face of regulatory challenges.