Barletta’s ‘electricity security’ act passes House

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, voted Thursday to for a bill which creates a “reasonable alternative” for new power plants facing stricter greenhouse gas standards, according to a press lease from his office.

H.R. 3826, the Electricity Security and Affordability Act, which Barletta cosponsored, passed the U.S. House of Representatives 229 to 183. The bill offers a “reasonable alternative to excessive new greenhouse gas standards for new power plants proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),” according to Barletta. There is companion legislation in the Senate sponsored by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-WV.

Barletta said the EPA is setting standards impossible for the coal industry to reach.

“Coal has been a vital part of the economy and energy production in our part of Pennsylvania for more than two centuries, and I will always stand for protecting jobs and lower energy rates for our citizens,” Barletta said.