Jim Martin: Gov. Pence demonstrates true courage on behalf of the people.

(Alexandria, Virginia) — The non-partisan 60 Plus Association, America’s largest center-right seniors advocacy organization with over 7.2 million supporters nationally, today issued a statement praising Indiana Governor Mike Pence (R) for refusing to comply with the EPA’s so-called Clean Power Plan (CPP).

Said 60 Plus Chairman Jim Martin, “Governor Pence showed a lot of courage by refusing this federal mandate, despite the bullying governors are receiving from Washington. The CPP has been shown beyond a doubt to lead to massive increases in the cost of electricity to seniors struggling on fixed incomes, working families, and the poor. Governor Pence’s position on the side of people and against environmental extremism should serve as a model across the nation.”

Said Pence in a statement to President Obama:

“As I wrote to Administrator McCarthy on December 1, 2014, the proposed rules are ‘ill-conceived and poorly constructed’ and they exceed the EPA’s legal authority under the Clean Air Act.  If your administration proceeds to finalize the Clean Power Plan, and the final rule has not demonstrably and significantly improved from the proposed rule, Indiana will not comply. Our state will also reserve the right to use any legal means available to block the rule from being implemented.”

Added Martin, “Governor Pence understands that this EPA scheme is nothing more than a massive power-grab that exceeds its authority under the law. If implemented it will hurt those who can least afford it along with jobs, manufacturing and make Indiana less competitive in the world economy.

“Good environmental stewardship is an admirable goal, but the CPP is all pain, no gain. On behalf of the more than 145,000 60 Plus senior supporters in the Hoosier state, I’m extremely grateful to Gov. Pence for siding with common sense against Washington’s environmental extremism.”

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