TOPEKA — When it came to criticizing the Environmental Protection Agency, the only question for the Kansas House members today was whether to use the term “mandate” or “train wreck.”
They picked “train wreck.”
House Resolution 6008 claims that EPA’s air-quality regulations are harming the national economy.
It urges Congress to defund EPA’s air-quality efforts and prohibit the agency from regulating emissions of carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse” gases that scientists say are contributing to global climate change.
HR 6008 — including the term “train wreck” is essentially a word-for-word copy of a resolution offered to state legislatures by ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council.
The Washington-based organization claims to have 2,000 state legislators across the country as members. It is largely funded by oil, chemical and corporate interests, including foundations controlled by Wichita-based Koch Industries.
Supporters of the resolution said they are trying to halt “EPA over-reach” and protect Kansas economic activity, such as agricultural prairie burning in the Flint Hills.
“Obviously, the EPA is a loose monster wreaking havoc on the economy,” said Rep. Charlotte O’Hara, R-Overland Park. “We have to remove the shackles of the EPA.”
The House Energy and Utilities Committee had struck the term “train wreck” from the ALEC-proposed title: “A resolution opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulatory train wreck.” The committee substituted “mandate.”
The language was changed back to train wreck on the House floor.
“I think if you Google “regulatory train wreck,” you’ll find it’s very commonly used,” said Rep. Forrest Knox, R-Altoona.
Rep. Vince Wetta, D-Wellington, opposed the measure.
“I’ve been in train wrecks and this is not a train wreck,” said Wetta, a retired railroad engineer.
Other opponents argued that sending the tersely critical resolution to Washington might do more harm than good for the state.
“To send this message … is offensive and shows a lack of couth,” said Rep. Annie Keuther, D-Topeka.