Berks County News

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Dan Meuser, Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus, expressed strong opposition to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new power plant rules targeting U.S. coal. Meuser criticized the finalized rule, stating that it imposes unrealistic standards on coal plants, aiming to force early retirements and hinder the opening of new plants.

In response to the EPA's rule, Co-Chair Meuser highlighted the detrimental impact it could have on the nation's energy landscape, particularly on grid reliability. He emphasized, "Despite the warnings of grid transmission operators, utilities, grid reliability experts, and regulators that the U.S. is facing a grid reliability crisis compounded by surging power demand, the EPA has ignored those warnings and pushed ahead with its destructive agenda to essentially end coal-powered electricity in the United States."

Furthermore, Meuser raised concerns about the EPA's approach, mentioning, "The EPA is using the cumulative impact of a suite of rules – a so-called ‘Clean Power Plan 2.0.’ The EPA’s rules will accelerate coal plant retirements when our grid reliability and the affordability of the nation’s power supply demand just the opposite." He warned that the EPA's disregard for expert advice could lead to negative consequences for millions of Americans.

The EPA's finalized rule, which requires significant emissions reductions from coal plants, has sparked criticism from the Congressional Coal Caucus, representing various coal-producing states across the country. The Caucus serves as a voice for American coal communities in Congress.

For more information on the EPA's finalized rule, it can be accessed on their official website.