Lankford Gives Mixed Opinions On Court Rulings
Lankford Pleased with Hobby Lobby Injunction Decision
Oklahoma City, OK.—Representative James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement after Judge Joe Heaton of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma issued a preliminary injunction today to Hobby Lobby while their religious liberty case proceeds through the legal system:
“I am pleased Judge Heaton decided to shield Oklahoma’s Hobby Lobby from the exorbitant costs the President’s healthcare law would levy on their family-owned business. The temporary injunction until October 1 will protect Hobby Lobby from $1.3 million per day in federal fines. With this injunction Hobby Lobby will not face that astronomical fine until the court finally decides whether its owners will be required—against their Christian beliefs—to supply free abortifacient drugs to their employees in compliance with the President’s healthcare law. I am grateful that Hobby Lobby will not be unfairly penalized while their original case awaits a decision. I pray the court will provide final clarity and rule on this case before the October 1 injunction deadline.”
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Lankford Frustrated with Decision on OK Regional Haze Appeal
Oklahoma City, OK.—Representative James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement after the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Oklahoma in a 2-1 vote regarding an appeal of the EPA’s Regional Haze Rule:
“I was very frustrated and disappointed to learn today that the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Oklahoma’s appeal in a 2-1 vote on the EPA’s regional haze rule. Attorney General Pruitt and the entire state worked tirelessly to protect Oklahoma from needless and excessive federal regulations that make no visible improvement to Oklahoma’s air or air quality. Unfortunately, the EPA rejected Oklahoma’s plan to comply with the rule and spare Oklahoma utility customers significant expense. It is now certain that Oklahoma utility customers will face a new rate hike without any health or economic benefit.”
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