Hear state on cuts to coal, EPA asked

WASHINGTON -- Arkansas' U.S. House delegation asked the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday to visit the state and listen to local concerns about a plan to require cuts in carbon emissions.

The request for a local hearing was made in a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy that is signed by the state's four representatives, who are all Republicans.

Last week, the EPA proposed a regulation to cut carbon pollution from the nation's power plants by 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. The regulation, which is subject to public comment and wouldn't be finalized for another year, could close hundreds of coal plants nationwide, critics say.

Emissions in Arkansas would have to be cut by as much as 44 percent to comply with the rule, which prompted concerns from constituents, the letter states.

"Such a sizeable cut will have an immense impact on how Arkansans work, travel and live ... we believe the impact of these changes on rural parts of the country must not be ignored," it states.

The EPA has planned field hearings in Pittsburgh, Denver, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

Metro on 06/12/2014

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