Tempers Flare After EPA's Regulatory Efforts Called 'Un-American' During House Hearing

摘要

A House subcommittee hearing descended into chaos after Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) called Environmental Protection Agency rules on air pollution "un-American." Johnson's comments provoked outrage among Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power who accused Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) of losing control of the hearing as it broke down into shouting matches amid accusations that Republicans were badgering Janet McCabe, the EPA's top air official. Throughout the July 6 hearing, which was called to discuss the impacts of air pollution regulations completed by the EPA during President Ba-rack Obama's administration, Republicans pointedly accused the agency of ignoring the economic impact of its regulations and pursuing rules designed to destroy the coal industry.