When an agency pushing a new regulation admits that it “would slow construction nationwide for years, with all the adverse effects that this would have on economic development”, there is a complete disconnect from reality. The reality today is that our nation continues to suffer from tough economic times, with unemployment remaining at depressing highs. Acknowledging this reality means recognizing that a regulation that would have “adverse effects” on economic development is a huge mistake.

Unfortunately, though, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appears to live in an alternate reality. Despite our grim economic circumstances, and despite its own staff noting this devastating future impact, EPA continues to pursue new rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources.

With EPA hoping to implement these rules as soon as January, Congress must act immediately to stop the EPA and postpone these rules. If EPA is not brought back to reality, more businesses will go bankrupt, more people will lose their jobs, and our economy will be devastated. Congress is our only hope.

Winfred Dukes

Albany

(Dukes is president of the construction firm Dukes, Edwards and Dukes. He also is a Georgia state representative.)