Those who oppose the Obama administration's new power plant emissions are developing a three-front strategy that aims for all-out resistance.
The assault on President Barack Obama's climate change initiative is being waged by states, industry groups and lawmakers,
The Hill is reporting.
One of the lawmaker's leading the fight is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has vowed to do "everything I can to fight" the initiative. The Kentucky Republican is also urging states not to comply with the new emission standards.
"These regulations would likely mean fewer jobs, shuttered power plants, and higher electricity costs for families and businesses," he said Monday in a speech on the Senate floor. "I will not sit by while the White House takes aim at the lifeblood of our state’s economy."
Opponents plan to use three means — bureaucratic, legislative and legal.
They also favor fourth option, if necessary, which comes down to turning back the rules under the next president, if a Republican manages to win in 2016.
Legally speaking, the courts are able to determine whether or not Obama abused his power in issuing the regulations, which could make part or all of them invalid.
Lawmakers are working on legislation that would not only overturn the rules but also make it harder for the rules to be changed in the future.
Several Republican presidential candidates have attacked Obama for enforcing the standards, including Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.
Bush called the actions by the Obama administration "unconstitutional," adding that "the courts will determine that as well."
Obama unveiled the final version of the
America's Clean Power Plan on Monday, which will require power plants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.