Nelson explains his backing of Murkowski on EPA climate rules

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) on Thursday touted his support for a proposal to block planned EPA greenhouse gas rules, alleging the regulations would harm several industries in Nebraska.

He is one of three Democrats from conservative-leaning states backing Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) plan that would prevent EPA from limiting emissions from power plants, cars and other sources. 

“Controlling the levels of carbon emissions is the job of Congress. We don’t need EPA looking over Congress’ shoulder telling us we’re not moving fast enough,” said Nelson, who could be vulnerable in his 2012 reelection bid, in a statement.

Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) – who faces a tough reelection fight this year – and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) are the other two Democratic co-sponsors. It is not clear when Murkowski's measure, which could not be filibustered, might come to the floor.

Here’s the rest of Nelson's statement:

I am very concerned about the impact on Nebraska if EPA moves to regulate carbon emissions. Many Nebraska agricultural, industrial and energy-related businesses and organizations have warned about the costs they would have to shoulder from EPA regulations. Because EPA regulations would be a government-directed command-and-control regime, they would raise the price of energy in Nebraska, add greatly to administrative costs, and create new layers of bureaucracy. The burden would fall squarely on Nebraska families, farmers and businesses.

Carbon emissions should be reduced, but not through costly and complicated EPA regulations or a disadvantageous cap and trade proposal in Congress. They should be reduced through a comprehensive energy bill that promotes efficiencies and renewable energy through innovation and new technology that will help our state’s economy as we clean up the air.