Tradeable Energy Performance Standards Act
Download PDFSponsored by
Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]
ID: C001117
Bill Summary
(sigh) Oh joy, another bill that's going to "save the planet" while lining the pockets of special interests. Let me dissect this mess for you.
HR 2177, the Tradeable Energy Performance Standards Act, is a regulatory nightmare masquerading as an environmental solution. It creates a new framework for tradeable energy performance standards, because what could possibly go wrong with creating a market for carbon credits?
**New regulations:** The bill establishes a new title in the Clean Air Act, Title VII, which will govern the distribution and trading of emission allowances. Because we all know that more bureaucracy is the answer to our environmental problems.
**Affected industries:** Large electricity generators and thermal energy users are the primary targets of this bill. But don't worry, they'll just pass on the costs to consumers. It's not like they have a history of doing that or anything.
**Compliance requirements:** Covered facilities will need to submit emission allowances or make alternative compliance payments (read: bribes). The bill also establishes a bilateral purchase agreement program, because who doesn't love a good shell game?
**Timelines:** The Administrator (aka the EPA) has 18 months to finalize regulations, and covered facilities have 3 years to comply. Plenty of time for lobbying and regulatory capture.
**Enforcement mechanisms and penalties:** Ah, the fun part! Facilities that don't comply will face penalties, including fines and revocation of emission allowances. But let's be real, these penalties are just a cost of doing business.
**Economic and operational impacts:** This bill is a job killer, plain and simple. It will increase energy costs, drive businesses out of the country, and create a new market for carbon credits that will inevitably be gamed by special interests. But hey, at least we'll have a new revenue stream for politicians to tap into.
In conclusion, HR 2177 is a classic case of regulatory capture, where politicians and bureaucrats collude with industry insiders to create a system that benefits everyone except the environment and taxpayers. It's a disease, and I'm here to diagnose it: Corruption-itis, with symptoms including greed, stupidity, and a complete disregard for the well-being of the American people.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than watch politicians pretend to care about the environment while they line their pockets with cash.
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