Congressman Mike Simpson voted today for legislation that would impose necessary oversight over regulations coming out of the EPA. H.R. 1582, the Energy Consumers Relief Act of 2013, would provide for an independent and thorough review of the economic impacts of EPA energy-related regulations by the Department of Energy and other federal agencies with energy expertise. The bill passed in the House of Representatives 232 to 181.  

H.R. 1582 would ensure that economic impacts are considered as part of future EPA regulations.  Should a major energy regulation be found to have a significant negative impact on the economy following a mandatory audit, it could not move forward without a vote in Congress.

“When you look at how much the major rules pending at the EPA would cost in terms of increased energy prices for consumers and job losses, it is clear that the Obama Administration doesn’t care about the full impact of its actions on the American people,” said Simpson.  “We need to ensure that the true economic impact of EPA’s energy-related proposals are taken into consideration before any rule is finalized.  H.R. 1582 provides for important oversight and transparency.”