The following statement was issued Wednesday by John Pippy, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance about a new proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency setting carbon emission limits for new coal-fired power plants—

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to regulate carbon emissions from new coal-fired power plants, published today, imposes limits that are not achievable using current technology, contrary to the requirement under the law.

"Consequently, the proposal would preclude the construction of new coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania and across the country.  The result would be higher electricity prices for businesses and consumers, a less reliable electric grid and the elimination of thousands of family-sustaining jobs, not just in the coal industry but across all sectors of the economy.

"As a leading energy-producing state, the Commonwealth would be disproportionately affected.  The Pennsylvania coal industry supports over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Commonwealth and contributes about $7 billion annually to the state's economy.

"Ironically, imposing the proposed standards would have little if any impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally.  Moreover, they would put this country at a competitive disadvantage with other countries that are driving their economies by increasing their use of coal.

"Environmental quality is important to everyone, but a more reasonable approach would achieve emission reductions while encouraging the development of new technology that would allow even further reductions, not just in the U.S. but throughout the world.

"We do not need to choose between a clean environment, reliable and affordable electricity and family-sustaining jobs.  We can have all of those things by working collaboratively with all energy stakeholders to achieve emission reductions within the parameters of what science and current technology will allow."

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1/13/2014