Obama's war on coal claims five power plant victims

Coal barge, Guttenberg, Iowa

On a day when much of the eastern half of the nation was sweltering in 90 degree heat, American Electric Power announced that it will shutter five coal-powered plants, three in West Virginia, one each in Ohio and Virgina, thanks to Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The utility will also spend billions to comply with other EPA rules.

More from The Hill:

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) immediately pounced on AEP's announcement.

"This is a perfect example of the EPA implementing rules and regulations without considering the devastating impact they may have on local economies and jobs," Capito said.

Capito said she will write a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson asking whether the agency took into account the economic impact of its regulations.

"Let me be clear, it's decisions like the one made by AEP today that demonstrate the urgent need to rein in government agencies like the EPA, preventing them from overstepping their bounds and imposing regulations that not only cost us good American jobs, but hurt our economy," said Manchin, an outspoken critic of the EPA.

Remember, while running for president, Barack Obama said he would bankrupt any utility that wanted to build a coal-powered plant.

The higher costs will be covered by OPEC nations--no, that's a joke, AEP consumers will find their wallets lighter.

Hope and change, baby!

Related post:

Obama's war on coal marches on

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