Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Jon Tester (D-MT) have sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging them to revise a proposed rule that could have negative consequences for West Virginians. The rule, if implemented, could jeopardize grid reliability, harm energy workers, and raise energy costs for residents of West Virginia.
In the letter, the senators emphasize the importance of ensuring that power plant regulations maintain affordable and reliable power, protect West Virginia jobs, and promote American energy independence. They express concern that the EPA's proposed rule overestimates the current and anticipated maturity of promising technologies such as hydrogen, carbon capture, and advanced nuclear. They argue that while these technologies hold promise for the future, it would be unfair to burden constituents with significantly higher utility bills and unreliable electricity in the present.
The senators highlight the bipartisan efforts in Congress to advance American innovation in clean energy technologies. They emphasize the need for a final EPA power plant rule that reflects the realities of current technology and relies on proven methods while continuing to pursue innovation, commercialization, and technological breakthroughs.
The senators also stress the importance of maintaining the reliability of the electric grid. While renewable energy sources are growing, the U.S. still relies on dispatchable and baseload generation capacity. They believe that a balanced approach is necessary to achieve a clean energy future while preserving grid reliability. They cite public comments from a coalition of labor unions, which argue that reasonable changes that consider the maturity of decarbonization technologies are necessary to avoid job losses and ensure energy grid resilience. They recommend providing a realistic transition path to advanced technologies when they become available to ensure affordability and reliability of service.
In conclusion, the senators urge the EPA to consult with stakeholders from both industry and labor before finalizing the proposed rule on power plant emissions. They emphasize the need to facilitate a responsible nationwide clean energy transition while protecting jobs, ensuring electric reliability and affordability, and making the United States a global leader in combatting greenhouse gas emissions.
Click this link to access more information: https://www.energy.senate.gov/2024/1/icymi-manchin-colleagues-urge-epa-to-revise-power-plant-rule-that-would-raise-west-virginia-energy-costs
