Senators call on EPA to extend comment period on ACE rule
Posted October 11, 2018
Twenty-three Democratic senators called on EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler to extend the comment period on EPA’s proposed replacement for the Clean Power Plan, the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule. They ask that it be extended by at least 60 days – to December 31, 2018 — and that the number of public hearings be increased to at least four “to allow for thorough consideration and input.”
The letter states that prior to EPA finalizing its Clean Power Plan, the Agency conducted a two-year outreach and engagement process with states, tribes, and stakeholders, which included four public hearings, talking to over 3,000 stakeholders, and keeping the public comment period open for 167 days, in which 4.3 million comments were received and considered.
The senators argue that their constituents should be given an equal opportunity to evaluate and weigh in on the proposed ACE rule, as it raises “serious legal, environmental, and human health concerns.” They point out that according to EPA’s own analysis, the ACE rule will result in the release of at least 12 times more carbon emissions over the next decade, along with increased emissions of pollutants.
Citing these concerns, the senators request the comment period be extended through December 31, 2018, and that at least three additional public hearings be held, including in areas that stand to be most affected by the impacts of the ACE rule.
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