Vitter & 60 Plus Association: E.P.A. Regulations Will Harm Louisiana's Seniors

U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, today joined the 60 Plus Association in Metairie, La., to unveil a new report, "Energy Bills Strain Louisiana's Seniors' Budgets," which finds suggested regulations from the E.P.A. (EPA) would disproportionately impact Louisiana's senior population.

"As proposed, the rule would result in higher electricity bills, a decrease in Louisianians disposable income, and job losses throughout the economy all for no tangible impact on the global climate. The higher electricity prices will especially hurt seniors who may already struggle paying utility bills. This E.P.A. rule is all pain for no gain," said Vitter.

"We were recognized to be joined by Senator Vitter today in Louisiana. He has been a true champion in fighting against harmful E.P.A. regulations on behalf of seniors," said Amy Noone Frederick, President of the 60 Plus Association. "As the review period deadline rapidly approaches, it is critical that we stop the E.P.A. from implementing the so-called Clean Power rule. It does little to aid the environment, but would have a huge impact on Louisiana's seniors."

The report reveals how EPA's suggested regulations could raise electricity prices by as much as 18 percent, a detrimental increase as nearly half of the state's seniors have an yearly gross income of less than $30,000.

Key Findings from Report:

• Suggested E.P.A. regulations could raise electric prices in Louisiana by 13-18 percent.
• Louisiana has 377,000 households aged 65 or older, comprising 22 percent of the state's 1.7 million households. Nearly one-half of Louisiana's seniors had gross yearly incomes below $30,000 in 2012, with an average pre-tax household income of $16,211. That amounts to $1,351 per month.
• For Louisiana's seniors, electricity represents 73 percent of total residential utility bills.

Click here to read the report.

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