Lummis Blasts Biden Regulations That Could Force Wyoming Power Plants to Close

April 25, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalizing its Clean Power Plan 2.0 regulations designed to force the closure of gas and coal-fired power plants in the United States. These rules would be disastrous for Wyoming power plants and coal mines which power the nation.

"President Biden's Green New Deal inspired rules appear designed to force the closure of Wyoming power plants with no plan to replace the energy currently being produced," said Lummis. "This attack on Wyoming energy undermines our way of life by jeopardizing jobs and revenue for our state and local governments. Forcing the closure of gas and coal-fired plants that account for 60% of electricity generated across the country, while increasing demand by 30% through an electric vehicle mandate is not only unrealistic but dangerous. I will be working with my colleagues to overturn this disastrous set of regulations and protect Wyoming energy workers who power this country."

Background:

According to the EPA, gas and coal-fired power plants account for 60% of electricity created.

Studies have found President Joe Biden's electric vehicle mandate will lead to a 30% increase in demand for electricity.

For existing coal-fired power plants like the ones operating in Wyoming, the EPA is proposing those in operation beyond 2040 sequester 90% of their carbon emissions. This is an egregiously unrealistic target that is not feasible based on current carbon capture technology.

The EPA's Clean Power Plan 2.0 would:

• Repeal the Trump administration's Affordable Clean Energy Rule, which established reasonable emission guidelines for states to use when developing plans to limit carbon dioxide at coal-fired power plants.
• Enact new standards on new and modified fossil-fuel power generation sources (including natural gas) under Section 111(b) of the Clean Air Act.
• Enact new standards on existing fossil-fuel power generation sources (including coal and gas plants) under Section 111(b) of the Clean Air Act.

In August 2023, Senator Lummis joined 38 other Republican senators in filing comments on the proposed Clean Power Plan 2.0, calling on the EPA to withdraw its plans to force the closure of coal and gas-fired power plants.

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