The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to repeal the 2024 power plant rule, a move welcomed by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). The decision is seen as a step towards rebalancing federal regulations and enhancing American energy capabilities.
NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons commented on the development, stating, "The EPA’s decision to repeal the unworkable power plant rule for existing coal-fired and new natural gas-fired power plants is a critical and welcome step toward rebalanced regulations and American energy dominance. This change will strengthen grid reliability and support manufacturing growth in the United States."
Timmons emphasized that NAM had consistently warned about the potential negative impacts of the rule. He explained that the rule's requirements were unrealistic, particularly regarding timelines for adopting emerging technologies at a commercial scale. According to Timmons, this would have threatened America's energy security and hindered leadership in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.
He further noted that existing natural gas plants are vital for providing affordable and reliable energy necessary for manufacturing operations in the U.S. The now-repealed rule was perceived as an additional burden on an already strained electric grid, risking energy security.
The repeal aligns with efforts initiated by NAM in December 2024 when they led a letter campaign involving over 100 manufacturing organizations. The letter urged regulatory changes to foster manufacturing growth and job creation. Additionally, NAM identified the power plant rule as one of the most challenging regulations for manufacturers in a letter sent to ten federal agencies in April.
Last year, NAM supported Rep. Balderson’s Congressional Review Act resolution aimed at blocking this regulation's implementation.
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