Threatening Reliable Energy
On April 25, 2024, the EPA released its long-anticipated final rules aimed at existing coal and new natural gas power plants.
NRECA believes the final rule is unlawful, unachievable, and unrealistic.
On Aug. 8, 2023, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) filed comments in opposition to EPA's proposed rule to further regulate power plant emissions. NRECA urged the agency to withdraw the proposal in its entirety and pointed out the following issues:
The proposal hinged on the widespread adoption of nascent technologies: clean hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. Electric cooperatives are involved in the development of five carbon capture projects and are national leaders in the development of the technology. And while both technologies are promising, they are not yet widespread or commercially available and have not been “adequately demonstrated" as required by the Clean Air Act. Requirements for some coal units to co-fire natural gas are similarly flawed.
The proposal violated the Clean Air Act because EPA asserts vast new authority of major economic and political significance without a clear statement from Congress. This disregarded the “major questions doctrine" and is inconsistent with the text, structure and context of Clean Air Act Section 111.
The proposed rules contained timelines that are unrealistic and unachievable. The compliance deadlines endanger new and existing natural gas plants and all but ensure coal units will opt to shut down by 2035. The requisite infrastructure cannot be expected to be in place due to cost, supply chain challenges, permitting, public opposition, land ownership/access and more.
The proposed rules threatened reliability and affordability. Don’t wait! Make your voice heard now: https://voicesforcooperativepower.com/epa-act-now/