WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., lauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to block implementation of President Obama’s new energy regulations that would raise the cost of living for hardworking taxpayers and turn back the clock on America’s energy independence.

 The Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily blocked the administration’s effort to impose strict new regulations on emissions from coal-fired power plants. Georgia has also joined other states in mounting a separate legal challenge to these rules.

 “This is welcome news from the Supreme Court,” said Isakson. “I have said before that I will use all means necessary to fight against these attempted power grabs and job-killing policies by the Obama administration that raise the cost of living for hardworking Georgians. Coal is the most significant source of Georgia’s electricity and supports 8,800 jobs in our state. I hope a favorable ruling will now follow this stay.”

 Background:

 The administration’s “Clean Power Plan” released on Aug. 3, 2015, requires an even greater reduction in emissions than the rule that was originally proposed in June 2014, and demands that states submit a plan to implement the rules by 2016. The new regulations are expected to impact hundreds of fossil-fuel plants, including 600 coal-powered plants.

 Isakson blasted the plan at the time, citing massive costs and no measurable reduction in emissions worldwide. He signed on as an original co-sponsor of S.1324, the Affordable Reliable Electricity Now Act of 2015, which would delay the rule until legal proceedings from 26 states, including Georgia, have concluded, as well as give states the ability to opt out of the rule. Additionally, S.1324 would prevent the EPA from withholding federal highway funds if a state doesn’t submit a plan.

 Isakson co-sponsored two resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act and voted for them in October 2015. The resolutions would stop the EPA from implementing these harmful regulations.

 Isakson has also sent letters to President Obama and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy during the proposal phase in opposition to the administration’s proposed Clean Power Plan and calling for the rule’s withdrawal.

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