Rockefeller says bill to call timeout on EPA rules coming this week

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) said Tuesday that his legislation to temporarily block planned EPA climate change rules will be introduced this week.

Rockefeller, an ally of coal producers, told reporters in the Capitol that his measure would prevent EPA rules that regulate greenhouse gas emissions from industrial facilities for two years.

Rockefeller has said that his plan will provide the Senate time to craft a comprehensive climate change and energy bill. EPA recently assured Rockefeller and other coal state lawmakers that it will proceed slowly with rules limiting emissions from sources such as coal plants and factories, but Rockefeller wants an even longer pause -- and wants it codified.