Association voices its displeasure at new power plant rule
The primary organization for America's electrical co-ops is speaking out against a recent EPA rule on power plants.
On August 8, NRECA filed comments in opposition to EPA’s proposed rule to further regulate power plant emissions. The agency is expected to publish the final rule in the spring of 2024. NRECA also urged the agency to withdraw the proposal in its entirety and pointed out the following issues:
"The proposal hinges 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 violates the Clean Air Act because EPA asserts vast new authority of major economic and political significance without a clear statement from Congress. This disregards the “major questions doctrine” and is inconsistent with the text, structure, and context of Clean Air Act Section 111."
"The proposed rules contain 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 threaten reliability and affordability."
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