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Graham Supports Murkowski Amendment Limiting EPA Ability to Regulate Greenhouse Gases

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today voted in support of the Murkowski Amendment, which would prohibit the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions.  The amendment failed by a vote of 47-53. 

In the U.S. Supreme Court's 2007 decision Massachusetts v. EPA, the Court ruled carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases should be regulated as pollutants under the Clean Air Act. 

“EPA regulation of carbon is the worst possible scenario,” said Graham.  “It is a disaster for businesses and consumers.  The EPA will put burdens on them they cannot handle.  This is a balance-of-power issue and it has long been clear to me that Congress should write the rules when it comes to the regulation of carbon, not the EPA. 

“We can find a business-friendly way to limit carbon pollution that creates jobs while lessening our dependence on foreign oil,” said Graham.  “I believe it is a noble endeavor for our country to pursue the cleanest air and purest water in the world.  But the worst way to reach those worthy goals is through heavy-handed EPA regulation.” 

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To watch Senator Graham discuss the topic on the floor, click here.

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