Ripon Forum


Vol. 45, No. 1

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In This Edition

When Fred Upton was named the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee last December, it was not just one of the biggest victories of his career, but also a victory over radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who waged an on-air crusade to deny the Michigan Republican the gavel.

Upton’s Call

The Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee writes about a plan he is pushing intended to protect jobs and preserve the integrity of the Clean Air Act.

Overreaching by the EPA

According to this West Virginia Congresswoman, the Environmental Protection Agency is not only exceeding its mandate, it’s also destroying jobs in her home state.

Foreign Oilfield Unrest

In the wake of further unrest in the Middle East, this Pennsylvania Congressman argues that the U.S. needs to move ahead with a plan that boosts fuel production here at home.

A Chain Reaction Throughout the Middle East

The Chairwoman of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee assesses the Egyptian uprising and its impact on U.S. security.

Lessons from ’95

One of the architects of the 1994 Republican revolution looks back on the budget battles of 16 years ago and what they mean today.

The War on Federal Redundancy

As Congress sets out to cut federal spending, this fiscal expert argues that duplicative programs are a logical place to start.

A Pro-America, Pro-Trade Agenda for 2011

This CATO Institute scholar and author argues that trade policy is an area ripe for bipartisan cooperation this year.

Learning from the States

by MAURICE McTIGUE & DANIEL ROTHSCHILD Two members of government efficiency commissions in Virginia and Louisiana offer eight steps toward better reform.

Before Morning in America

The author of a forthcoming book on Ronald Reagan looks at the events of 1983 and how they shaped the rest of Reagan’s presidency.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media

The top legislative aides for nearly 100 House Republicans meet at Mount Vernon for the Ripon Society LD Symposium.

“Finish the Sentence”

Former RNC Chair says the party needs to do better job of connecting policy to people’s lives.

Get Me My Legislative Director!

Two former House Members offer practical advice on what they expected from their top legislative aides

“In the Footsteps of Washington”

The top legislative aides for nearly 100 House Republicans meet at Mount Vernon for Ripon Society symposium

The Ripon Profile of Susana Martinez

Susana Martinez on her agenda as Governor of New Mexico.

Overreaching by the EPA

If the Environmental Protection Agency has demonstrated one thing over the past two years, it’s their intent on using regulatory authority to pick winners and losers in the energy industry.

As I’ve learned first-hand, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson is keenly committed to enforcing the Administration’s anti-coal agenda with no regard for the devastating effects on our local and national economies. The EPA’s attempts to control climate change through regulation and stall the approval of mining permits can only lead to coal states like West Virginia bearing the brunt of poorly thought-out policies that translate into greater job loss and higher energy costs.

We absolutely cannot afford a scenario where delayed policy decisions lead to a slow bleed of jobs and planned investment throughout America’s coal country. Energy producers expect and deserve certainty and clarity to conduct their business, but the current administration continues to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to their concerns.

The EPA’s attempts to control climate change through regulation and stall the approval of mining permits can only lead to coal states like West Virginia bearing the brunt of poorly thought-out policies that translate into greater job loss and higher energy costs.

In January, the EPA delivered a crushing blow to the entire energy industry when the Agency vetoed the existing Spruce Mine permit, shutting down a viable mine that would have provided almost 300 good-paying jobs. For nearly a year, the EPA kept the Spruce Mine Permit in limbo by continuing to delay action on the permit in question. As the EPA has been purposefully slow to act, hundreds of mining jobs have been put at stake. What’s more, this veto puts all previously issued permits at risk, casting a wide veil of uncertainly over not just coal, but any industry subject to 404 permits.

For example, coal is our most abundant, cheapest natural resource, yet it’s borne the brunt of the EPA’s attacks. When you turn on your computer or flip a light switch or watch TV, chances are you are using energy produced from coal. So when it’s hard to mine this resource, utility prices rise and everyday costs increase.

This is an issue that affects every American, not just those of us who live in coal-producing states like West Virginia.

This Congress is committed to reining in the EPA in order to protect American jobs. As my first piece of legislation in the 112th Congress, I introduced a bill which seeks to delay for two years any action by the EPA to regulate carbon dioxide and methane gases under the Clean Air Act. This will give us enough time to review the proposed rulemaking authority and research how it will affect jobs and our economy.

This is an issue that affects every American, not just those of us who live in coal-producing states like West Virginia. In order to protect our energy security, as well as our energy prices, Congress must work together to enact a comprehensive energy plan that uses all of our natural resources.

Shelley Moore Capito represents the 2nd District of West Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives.