U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, cast her vote to repeal a rule from the Biden Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the reclassification of certain industry sources. The rule faced disapproval in the Senate with a vote of 52-46, under a joint resolution put forth by Senator John Curtis and co-sponsored by Senator Capito.
The controversial rule from the Biden EPA intended to prevent many industries from reclassifying as Area Sources after reduction in emissions, aiming to curb industry emissions as part of wider environmental regulations. Capito expressed her concerns about the rule, emphasizing the additional regulatory burdens it would place on American energy producers and manufacturers.
In her statements, Capito argued that the rule would discourage industries from lowering emissions because once deemed a ‘Major Source,’ reclassification would no longer be possible. She believes that the rule unfairly penalizes industries making efforts to cut emissions.
Capito supported a return to the previous rule from President Trump’s administration, suggesting it effectively encouraged emission reductions without increasing regulatory measures. The change back to the former rule, she argued, would allow for reclassification and offer incentives for emission reduction efforts. She stated, “The former rule…encourages industries to take proactive steps to reduce emissions without increasing regulatory burdens.”
She emphasized the importance of innovative practices and the ability to blend environmental policies with industrial growth. Capito aims to sustain American manufacturers’ competitiveness while maintaining efforts to reduce pollution. “A robust manufacturing sector, energy reliability, and a clean environment are not mutually exclusive,” she said.
Senator Capito concluded by urging her colleagues to support the resolution, aiming to revert to the less restrictive Trump’s administration rule.
