On Sept. 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its proposed rules that will limit the amount of carbon dioxide that new power plants can emit. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said that will result in higher electric costs “at a time when our economy can least afford it.”

“As I had informed President Obama in the past,” said Pence, “I believe that our nation is best served by an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy that incorporates all forms of energy. We need our wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas and coal resources to power our economy and provide the quality of life Hoosiers and other Americans are accustomed to experiencing.

“Unfortunately, the rules the EPA announced and the contemplated carbon dioxide emissions rules for existing power plants, expected to be released in June of 2014, will constrain any potential for an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy and harm our economy in the process.”

Pence added, “These regulations will drive up the cost of electricity at a time when our economy can least afford it. In addition, the higher cost of electricity will disproportionately affect low and fixed-income Hoosiers. Manufacturing states, like Indiana, will feel the brunt the greatest as our industrial sectors put more of their revenue toward their electricity bill and less toward putting more Hoosiers to work.”

Indiana Manufacturers Association President and CEO Patrick J. Kiely agreed with the governor noting, “Just as Indiana manufacturing has begun a much-anticipated upswing, the EPA’s proposed carbon emissions regulations for new power plants will create a man-made energy crisis that may very well shut down our Hoosier manufacturing revival and create a domino-effect of hardship for all Hoosiers.”

Pence concluded, “I believe that we can find a better way to protect not only the health of our environment, but the health of our economy and our position in the global marketplace as well, and my administration will continue to advocate for common-sense, science-based solutions that promote job creation and economic growth.”