Rep. Chuck Martin Comments on Poll Regarding EPA Clean Power Plan

ATLANTA – State Representative Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) commented today on recent poll data released by the Partnership for a Better Energy Future, which suggests voter opposition against the EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan.

“These polls just confirm what most of us already know. The Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, currently being implemented by the EPA, is concerning to many Americans, who will likely see higher bills, less reliability, and more economic uncertainty,” said Rep. Martin. “Georgians need access to all affordable and reliable energy sources in order to create jobs, stimulate the economy and provide valuable resources for future generations.”

The poll, which was conducted by Paragon Insights in early October, included a national survey of 1,340 likely voters and a statewide survey of 953 likely voters in Georgia. Findings include the following:

• A majority of those polled said they believe the United States cannot afford new costs and potential job losses resulting from the EPA regulations
• Nearly half of those polled said they are not willing to pay a single dollar more in their energy bill to accommodate the regulations
• 40 percent of Georgia voters polled said they would be less likely to cast their vote for a candidate who supports EPA’s Clean Power Plan
• 22 percent said they would be more likely to vote for candidates who do support the rule
• 47 percent of Georgia voters said they opposed the regulations
• Middle-class voters and seniors were among the top opponents of the rule

The EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan was released on June 2, 2014, in an effort to cut carbon emissions from new and existing power plants. The EPA is accepting public comments regarding the proposed plan through December 1. For more information on the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, please click here.

The Partnership for a Better Energy Future is a coalition of 175 members, who represent a variety of segments in the U.S. economy. Members include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Mining Association. For more information on the Partnership for a Better Energy Future, please click here.

Representative Chuck Martin represents the citizens of District 49, which includes portion of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and is currently the Chairman of Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications, Regulated Industries, Science and Technology, and Ways & Means committees.

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