HJR205 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mac McCutcheon

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Environmental Protection Agency, Clean Power Plan, delay urged

Summary

Alabama's House resolution urges the EPA to withdraw, delay, or reconsider the Clean Power Plan and pursue a slower, more flexible path.

What This Bill Does

It would formally urge the EPA to withdraw and reconsider the Clean Power Plan. It supports Alabama agency comments and seeks full credit for CO2 reductions since 2005, while ensuring existing nuclear plants and hydro resources are treated favorably in any final rule. It calls for non-binding guidelines that states can modify and for extra time to develop a state plan, aiming for compliance no earlier than 2030. If EPA does not delay, it urges Congress and the President to enact legislation to require a delay.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents and businesses could see higher electricity costs and potential changes in power reliability depending on how the plan is implemented.
• Alabama state and local energy regulators, agencies (like ADEM and APSC), the Governor's Office, the Attorney General, and electric utilities and cooperatives would need to devote time and resources to respond to EPA rules and develop a state plan.

Key Provisions

• Urges EPA to withdraw and reconsider the Clean Power Plan.
• Supports the comments on EPA's plan submitted by Alabama agencies (ADEM, APSC) and the Attorney General.
• Requests that final rule credit CO2 reductions from 2005 forward, not penalize Alabama for existing nuclear power, and allow counting of hydroelectric output toward compliance.
• States that final rules should include non-binding guidelines that states can modify, reflecting their responsibility for energy, economy, and environment.
• If EPA does not delay, urges Congress and the President to enact legislation delaying the rule, with a target of no earlier than 2030 for compliance.
• Urges delay to avoid unnecessary state and consumer costs and directs broad distribution of the resolution to federal and state officials and organizations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative