U.S. Chamber, Energy Trade Groups Urge Spending Panels to Block EPA Climate Rules (Ben Geman)

Joint letters Tuesday from two-dozen groups - including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Petroleum Institute, National Mining Association and National Association of Manufacturers - argue that "the appropriations process can ensure that the potentially damaging impacts of EPA's rules are postponed for a two or three year period pending Congressional action."

The groups oppose rules slated to take effect beginning early next year to limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and other large stationary sources, and the letters express concern that burdensome regulations could eventually apply to a large swath of the economy.

"There is the very real prospect that investments by businesses across the entire economy - the investments that will drive economic recovery and job creation - will be delayed, curtailed or, even worse, cancelled," states the letters to the spending panels obtained by The Hill.

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