Walker complains to feds about new air rules

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker has sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warning new air pollution regulations would hurt Wisconsin and the nation.

President Barack Obama’s administration has proposed a rule calling for cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

Walker, a Republican, said in Monday’s letter that the state Public Service Commission estimates compliance could cost up to $13.4 billion in Wisconsin alone.

He said the rule could increase electric rates by as much as 30 percent. He added Wisconsin obtains more than half its electricity from coal and shifting to natural gas will jeopardize reliability.

An EPA spokeswoman issued a statement saying any small price increases would be dwarfed by huge benefits and it’s too early to make reliability claims since states haven’t developed implementation plans.