Montana Senator Steve Daines was involved in a passionate question and answer today. Daines claims the EPA’s new power plan will wreck Montana’s economy.

“They are killing coal fire plants,” said Daines. “The regulation is going to result in the shut down of coal strip units 1, 2, 3, and 4. Over 50% of the electricity generated in Montana is from coal fire plants. You’re going to shut them all down with these regulations. These are real families. It is $1.5 billion a year to our state. We can’t replace that.”

Daines went even further saying that the plan would wreck Montana’s economy more than anything in over thirty year.

“It is a loss of 7,000 jobs, $145 million of lost tax revenues that we use to support our schools, teachers, and infrastructure, double digit increases in utility rates, and a loss of $1.5 billion of economic activity in Montana per year,” Daines said. “In conclusion, what is the single largest economic impact and event to occur in Montana in over 30 years.”

Daines addressed his comments to The Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Gina McCarthy during the budgeting process for the EPA. McCarthy says the RIA for this rule shows that in 2030 they are looking at upwards of $45 billion every year in benefits.

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