[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 8856-8857]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                               ARENA ACT

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I rise to speak about our Nation's energy 
economy.
  ``Alpha Natural to Lay Off 439 at West Virginia Coal Mine''; ``Murray 
Energy expects more than 1,800 coal mine layoffs''; ``Job Cuts Are 
Devastating Blow for Ohio Valley Coal Miners''; ``Coal analyst says 
industry facing toughest time''; ``Power Bills To Get Higher''--these 
are just some of the headlines that have been in the recent news in my 
area. These headlines are a stark reminder of the impact misguided 
Federal policies will have on the lives of real people.
  West Virginia and other energy-producing States have suffered 
devastating blows. Hard-working Americans are losing their jobs as 
their energy bills keep climbing. I come to the floor to encourage my 
colleagues to stand up for our Nation's energy future.
  Last month, I introduced the Affordable Reliable Energy Now Act--the 
ARENA Act--with Leader McConnell, Chairman Inhofe, my fellow West 
Virginian Joe Manchin, and nearly 30 of my colleagues. This bipartisan 
legislation would empower States to protect families and businesses 
from electricity rate increases, reduced electrical reliability, and 
other harmful effects of the Clean Power Plan.
  The ARENA Act would require that any greenhouse gas standards set by 
the EPA for new coal-fired powerplants are achievable by commercial 
powerplants, including highly efficient plants that utilize the most 
modern, state-of-the-art emissions control technologies.
  Back in February, I asked EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Janet 
McCabe to explain why, despite multiple invitations from Federal and 
State legislators, the EPA did not hold a public hearing on its 
proposed Clean Power Plan in West Virginia, given the large role coal 
plays in our economy and our electricity generation. And do you know 
what she said? She told me public hearings were held in places where 
people were ``comfortable.'' Well, that response is unacceptable to me 
and to the people of my State. That response, which represents EPA's 
disregard for the real-world impacts of its policies, helped shaped 
this legislation.
  The EPA's proposed greenhouse gas regulations will negatively impact 
both energy affordability and energy reliability. Coal provided 96 
percent of West Virginia's electricity last year and West Virginia was 
among the lowest electricity prices in the Nation. Last year, the 
average price was 27 percent below the national average, but these low 
prices are not likely to survive this administration's policies.
  Studies have projected that the Clean Power Plan will raise 
electricity prices in West Virginia between 12 and 16 percent. Just 
last month, 450,000 West Virginia families learned of a 16-percent 
increase in the cost of electricity. While there were multiple factors 
that contributed to this rate increase, compliance with previous EPA 
regulations played a significant role. If we allow EPA's plan to move 
forward, last week's rate increase will only be the tip of the iceberg.
  Affordable energy matters. Mr. President, 430,000 low- and middle-
income families in West Virginia, which is nearly 60 percent of our 
State's households, take home an average of less than $1,900 a month 
and spend 17 percent of their aftertax income on energy. These families 
are especially vulnerable to the price increases that will result from 
the Clean Power Plan.
  Other West Virginia families will bear the brunt of the EPA's policy 
more directly. In the past few weeks, 1,800 West Virginia coal miners 
received layoff notices. The notices came at Alpha Natural Resources 
and Murray Energy--the two largest coal companies in our State. Patriot 
Coal also filed for bankruptcy for a second time. Three coal-fired 
powerplants closed, also costing more jobs in the State of West 
Virginia.
  When mines and coal-fired powerplants close, the ripple effect is 
felt throughout our entire economy. The Wheeling Intelligencer reported 
that

[[Page 8857]]

the Murray Energy layoffs alone would mean almost $62 million in annual 
lost wages for Ohio Valley residents.
  Other parts of our State have been hit just as hard. In Nicholas 
County, the local government was forced to lay off employees, including 
a number of sheriff's deputies, because of a drop in the coal severance 
tax.
  Last month, the Energy Information Agency released its analysis of 
the proposed rule. The administration's own energy statistician found 
that the Clean Power Plan would shut down more than double the coal-
fired powerplant capacity we have by the end of this decade.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired.
  Mrs. CAPITO. I thank the Chair. I urge support for the ARENA Act, and 
I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida.
  Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, what is our parliamentary situation?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate is in morning business, with 
Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes.
  Mr. NELSON. May I be recognized.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida.

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