Lawmakers caution EPA that new power plan could harm electric grid.
Twenty-six House lawmakers have come together to pen a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency chief, Michael Regan, cautioning him and the agency against moving forward with their proposed “Clean Power Plan 2.0.” Led by Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa., the lawmakers expressed concerns that the rules outlined in the plan could potentially jeopardize electrical grid reliability for over 65 million Americans residing from New Jersey down to North Carolina.
Rep. Smucker, whose district in Lancaster is home to hydroelectric stations on the Susquehanna River, pointed out that the new EPA rules predominantly target coal and gas plants. He called on Administrator Regan to provide evidence that these restrictions will not pose a threat to the electric grid’s stability.
The regulations outlined in Clean Power Plan 2.0 set limits on carbon emissions, differing from a previous rule established during the Obama administration that relied on state-specific targets. Under this new plan, all coal plants in the United States would be subject to regulation. Any existing plants that are still operational by 2040 would need to reduce emissions by nearly 90% or implement carbon-capture technology.
The affected region highlighted by the lawmakers falls under the PJM, a grid operator that manages transmission lines spanning across various Atlantic coast states. With the rising demand for electricity due to factors such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and manufacturing projects, the lawmakers anticipate that the need for power will soon double.
The lawmakers warned that abrupt closures of existing power generation facilities, coupled with a rapid shift towards renewable energy sources, could lead to power rationing and increased electricity costs for consumers. They called upon Administrator Regan to reconsider these rules, citing the potential catastrophic impacts on the PJM Interconnection service area.
Senator Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., also criticized the EPA’s new plans, accusing regulators of aiming to phase out the use of fossil fuels to generate reliable energy in the U.S. by prematurely shutting down coal plants and obstructing the construction of new natural gas facilities. Joining in the critique, Rep. Alex X. Mooney, R-W.Va., attributed these rules to what he labeled as the president’s “dangerous agenda.”
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., echoed the concerns raised in the letter, expressing apprehensions about the potential consequences of the EPA’s regulations on the nation’s electricity supply. More than two-thirds of the country’s electricity is derived from coal, and Comer emphasized the risks of facing rolling blackouts and grid instability amidst already soaring energy costs.
The letter submitted to Administrator Regan includes a series of demands from the signatories, requesting clarification on whether there was consultation with grid operators like PJM and other relevant stakeholders before implementing the new plan. They also sought insight into the potential impacts of moving away from coal and gas on the national plan for electrification in the transportation and home heating sectors.
In an exclusive statement, Rep. Smucker emphasized the critical link between energy security and national security, underscoring the necessity of a reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure. Despite reaching out to the EPA for comment, there was no response from the agency at the time of publication.
As the debate intensifies over the implementation of Clean Power Plan 2.0, it remains to be seen how policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders will navigate the complex terrain of energy policy to ensure a resilient and affordable electricity supply for all Americans.
