FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky House has urged Congress to halt federal environmental officials from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.
On a 76-16 vote Tuesday, the House approved a resolution urging Congress to adopt a "balanced approach" to dealing with climate and energy supply issues without hurting the economy.
The issue is especially sensitive in coal-rich Kentucky since the burning of fossil fuels is seen as a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
The resolution calls on Congress to postpone efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the pollutants under the Clean Air Act.
Democratic Rep. Jim Gooch of Providence said such EPA enforcement would hurt Kentucky's economy and would raise the state's utility rates.
Another Democrat, Rep. Jim Wayne of Louisville, opposed the resolution. He said the proper course is to encourage deeper cuts in emissions.
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The legislation is House Resolution 132.
