Sessions: EPA’s ‘unrealistic restrictions’ will wound workers, make U.S. less competitive (Opinion)

For years, Americans have heard that the “time is now” to act on “climate change,” and in recent months — as President Obama pursues dramatic new carbon dioxide restrictions by fiat, and without the support of Congress — those warnings have become even louder.

But a sober examination of facts suggests otherwise. Although the president hasrepeatedly claimed that global temperatures are increasing “faster than anybody anticipated,” this assertion is contradicted by plain fact. Climate models have predicted rapid temperature increases, but actual temperatures have been essentially flat for 18 years. We are approaching the 10th anniversary of the last major hurricane to reach landfall in the U.S., yet the Environmental Protection Agency continues to assert that climate change causes more storms.

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is fond of saying that climate change “leads to more extreme heat, cold, storms, fires and floods,” as she did in August upon announcing job-destroying restrictions for American power plants. But, when asked to substantiate their claims, Ms. McCarthy and the EPA gave vague and non-responsive answers.

Energy production and advances in the 20th century helped provide Americans with unprecedented improvements in the health, length and quality of life. These same energy resources will now help developing countries lift millions out of poverty.Technological advancement — not painful government restrictions — will keep energy costs low, increase the standard of living for all and improve global health.

Our trade deficit is surging, and our ability to influence the world’s climate is limited.New emissions are coming from the developing world, which relies on traditional energy to pull its people out of poverty and despair.

Placing unrealistic restrictions on domestic energy production will wound our workers and make our businesses less competitive worldwide, while leaving our competitors unaffected.

Let’s continue our progress in conservation, efficiency and innovation while maintaining a strong, job-creating economy.

This op-ed by Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) was originally published by USAToday.