Hudson Votes to Protect N.C. from 14% Energy Bill Hikes

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Yesterday, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) voted to help keep electricity prices affordable for families and businesses by halting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) pending power plant rule.

“Our economy is recovering and many folks are just getting back on their feet, but with this rule and many others, the EPA wants to rip the rug right out from under them. I continue to hear from countless folks who are concerned with the EPA's overreach and what it means for their jobs, their paychecks and their electricity bills. The ratepayer protection act is just one round of our fight to bring down the EPA and it's job-killing, costly regulations."

The EPA’s proposed power plant rule, also known as the “Clean Power Plan,” could increase rates by nearly 14% in North Carolina. The Ratepayer Protection Act (H.R. 2042) would protect families and businesses from these significant electricity rate increases or reduced electric reliability by requiring judicial review of the rule to be completed before states are required to comply.

In addition, it provides a safe harbor for states, ensuring that no state will be forced to implement a state or federal plan if the governor finds it would significantly harm energy affordability or reliability.

To watch Rep. Hudson’s remarks in support of this bill, click here.