Finally: Can There Be More Proof That EPA Is Out of Control? AEP To Shut Down Five Coal-Powered Plants by 2014; Loss of Jobs Minuscule (600) Compared To the Millions Already Lost in The Recent Recession -- Opportunity to Modernize

Link here.

Even administration supporters say the EPA has gone too far this time.

Utility giant American Electric Power said Thursday that it will shut down five coal-fired power plants and spend billions of dollars to comply with a series of pending Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

The company’s dramatic plan to comply with the regulations could give Republicans and moderate Democrats ammunition in their ongoing fight against EPA's efforts to impose new regulations aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants including mercury and arsenic.

Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) immediately pounced on AEP's announcement.

“This is a perfect example of the EPA implementing rules and regulations without considering the devastating impact they may have on local economies and jobs,” Capito said.

Capito said she will write a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson asking whether the agency took into account the economic impact of its regulations.

The EPA's response to Capito's inquiry will be a one-liner: "Considering the economic impact of our rulings and regulations is not our mandate -- protecting the environment is our mandate."

Data points, to comply with EPA's proposed rules, AEP will close five (5) coal-powered plants by 2014

• cost:$6 to $8 billion to comply
• cost: 600 lost jobs
• cost: utility rates to increase as much as 35 percent

Something tells me AEP is using the proposed rules as an opportunity to modernize; by law, utilities must be allowed a certain return on their investment.

AEP will do fine.