House Speaker John A. Boehner on Wednesday slammed President Obama’s newly-announced target to cut greenhouse gases faster than previously planned as part of a framework with China to come to some form of consensus on climate change.
“This announcement is yet another sign that the president intends to double down on his job-crushing policies no matter how devastating the impact for America’s heartland and the country as a whole,” the Ohio Republican said in a statement.
Mr. Obama said the U.S. will cut its emissions by 26 percent to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 — faster than expected.
“It will help improve public health. It will grow our economy. It will create jobs. It will strengthen our energy security, and it will put both of our nations on the path to a low-carbon economy,” Mr. Obama said in Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping didn’t commit to a specific amount, but said China would set a target of capping its emissions by about 2030.
“This is a major milestone in the U.S.-China relationship, and it shows what’s possible when we work together on an urgent global challenge,” Mr. Obama said.
But Mr. Boehner said it’s “the latest example of the president’s crusade against affordable, reliable energy that is already hurting jobs and squeezing middle-class families.”
“Republicans have consistently passed legislation to rein in the EPA and stop these harmful policies from taking effect, and we will continue to make this a priority in the new Congress,” he said.
Presumptive Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, also put out an earlier statement saying the “unrealistic plan, that the president would dump on his successor, would ensure higher utility rates and far fewer jobs.”
“The president said his policies were on the ballot, and the American people spoke up against them. It’s time for more listening, and less job-destroying red tape,” Mr. McConnell said.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.