U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, has expressed support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to repeal the Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule. The MATS rule had imposed stricter requirements on coal- and oil-fired power plants.
“I applaud the Trump EPA’s continued efforts to overturn burdensome Democrat regulations that have placed lasting hardship on American families and workers. The Obama Administration’s 2012 MATS rule was one of the biggest blows against West Virginia in the war on coal, putting an indescribable strain on our dedicated coal miners, their families and communities and our entire state. The Biden Administration only made matters worse when it included an even more stringent MATS rule in its package of regulations aimed at eliminating coal from our nation’s energy mix. Building on last week’s announcements, this latest action from the Trump EPA further demonstrates President Trump’s and EPA Administrator Zeldin’s support of the affordable and reliable electricity that coal provides,” Chairman Capito said.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee is based in the Senate Dirksen Office Building, where it conducts hearings and oversees operations, according to its official website. The committee manages federal programs focused on environmental quality, natural resources, and infrastructure to balance conservation with national priorities (source). As chair of the committee, Senator Capito works alongside members such as Kevin Cramer and Cynthia Lummis (source).
The EPW Committee is responsible for legislation affecting environmental issues and infrastructure throughout the United States (source). It also plays a role in shaping policies regarding environmental regulations, wildlife protection, and maintenance of infrastructure across the country (source). Its subcommittees address topics like clean air, water resources, and transportation infrastructure (source).
