Senator John Boozman said he plans to fight back against air pollution regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Republican from Rogers spoke to the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas in Little Rock Thursday praising their influence and promising to try and halt the EPA’s plan to reduce carbon emissions in the state 44 percent by 2030.
Boozman, as he has done in the past, doubted the science behind carbon emissions and pointed to economic concerns.
“We have to look at the economic analysis, how this actually affects people, how this affects jobs. That hasn’t been done very well at all,” said Boozman.
The senator said he expects appropriation votes related to the EPA’s clean air efforts to be taken up by the Senate by the end of the year. He said opponents of carbon regulation, himself included, are likely to try to block appropriations related specifically to the proposed rule. Environmental groups argue economic concerns are overstated while health effects are downplayed by industry.
Further Notes:
- Boozman advocated for lowering the corporate tax rate while closing loopholes. He said General Electric pays zero dollars in taxes and laws need to change to ensure they pay taxes.
- Boozman called the recent beheadings of two American journalists in ISIS controlled Iraq an "act of war" warranting a stronger US military presence. He did not call for US ground forces.
- The senator identified funding a dwindling Highway Trust Fund as a top priority. The idea of introducing more toll roads has been considered by members of the Arkansas Highway Commission. Boozman said doesn't support adding tolls to existing roads but could support tolls for new roads.
