House to EPA: We'd Like Public Listening Sessions in the Following States (H. Con. Res. 59)

What is H. Con. Res. 59?

(Updated July 18, 2017)

This resolution (which is akin to a statement of belief, rather than a bill seeking to become a law) expresses that: 

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should hold public listening sessions on rulemaking targeting carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants in each of the 15 states with the highest percentage of electricity generated by coal in 2012 (West Virginia, Kentucky, Wyoming, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Utah, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Montana, and Wisconsin); and [that] such sessions should be held at a time and place that would maximize the ability of individuals to participate.

Argument in favor

The EPA is taxpayer-funded agency and should be available to explain for its regulatory actions by citizens affected by them.

Argument opposed

Diverts taxpayer dollars away from the job the EPA is supposed to do. Other federal agencies are not required to go on speaking tours.

Impact

The resolution, if passed, would express sentiment in the House of Representatives, but no action would be required on the part of EPA.

Cost of H. Con. Res. 59

No significant impact on the federal budget.

Additional Info