Current Events vs. Founding Documents
This column presents facts regarding the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Wisconsin State Constitution, and various other documents in reference to modern topics. Mark hopes to encourage interest in those works so that others can consider whether our government is practicing within its constitutional limits. In the last category, he may indicate his opinion. Mark is a resident of New Berlin. Readers are encouraged to visit the following sites for more information on the United States Constitution and Thomas Jefferson's views on politics and government.
EPA at the Center
Entry 157
Current Event
According to CNS News; January 11, 2012
(CNSNews.com) - In a speech to employees of the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday, President Barack Obama said that EPA regulations are good for the economy and create jobs and that the agency "touches" the lives of every American every day.
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“The main reason I’m here is simple: I just want to say thank you,” Obama said. “I want to say thank you to each and every one of you, because the EPA touches on the lives of every single American every single day.”
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According to FoxNews.com; January 13, 2012
Senators warn new EPA rules would raise gas prices
Senators from both sides of the aisle are warning that looming EPA regulations on gasoline could impose billions of dollars in additional costs on the industry and end up adding up to 25 cents to every gallon of gas.
The senators, in a letter this week to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, urged the agency to back off the yet-to-be-released regulations. Though the EPA has not yet issued any proposal, they claimed the agency is planning to call for a new requirement to reduce the sulfur content in gasoline.
Citing the nearly $3.40-a-gallon average price of gas and the state of the economy, the senators said "now is not the time for new regulations that will raise the price of fuel even further."
They said it would be "expensive" for companies to meet the sulfur targets and cited a study that found it could add up to $17 billion in industry-wide, up-front expenses, in addition to another $13 billion in annual operating costs.
This could in turn add between 12 and 25 cents to an average gallon of gasoline "depending on the stringency of the proposed rule," they wrote.
"If the EPA does not proceed carefully with its regulations, the nationwide price of fuel could increase to the further detriment of consumers and businesses," the senators warned.
The lawmakers on the letter were: Sens. James Inhofe, R-Okla.; Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; John Barrasso, R-Wyo.; Mary Landrieu, D-La.; David Vitter, R-La.; and Mark Begich, D-Alaska.
The EPA did not comment on the senators' complaints.
Asked Friday for a response to the concerns, the EPA said: "EPA is still in the process of developing the proposal."
An EPA official said publicly in November that the agency was developing the so-called "Tier 3" standards proposal during a House subcommittee hearing.
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A Senate Republican aide said the authority to tighten the sulfur standards comes from the Clean Air Act but noted that EPA has the discretion to either impose the standards or not.
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According to The Bloomberg news on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
EPA, NHTSA Finalize Rule on Fuel Economy, Carbon Emissions for Cars, Light Trucks
The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration increased average fuel economy requirements for cars and light-duty trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 in a final rule released Aug. 28.
The rule sets combined greenhouse gas emissions and corporate average fuel economy requirements for model year 2017 through 2025 cars and light-duty trucks, nearly doubling the existing fuel efficiency requirements.
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EPA and NHTSA estimate the rule will increase the average price of a vehicle by $1,800 in 2025. However, consumers would save an estimated $5,700 to $7,400 in gasoline over the life of the vehicle.
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VS
The EPA vs. The Constitution
Founding Document
US Constitution, Article I, Section 8 (Congressional Powers and Responsibilities)
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To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
We the People:
Why must members of Congress beg for the discretion of the EPA? Why is this decision left only to the executive branch? The checks and balances system was established to protect us from government; but when Congress abdicated its responsibility and authority on such environmental matters, our liberty was compromised. More than ever, administrative agencies are affecting the lives of every American and becoming the center of our society.
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