A group of 26 House lawmakers has sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan, raising alarms about the agency’s proposed ‘Clean Power Plan 2.0’. Led by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), the lawmakers argue that the plan’s stringent regulations targeting coal and gas plants will jeopardize the reliability of the electric grid for millions of Americans.
The letter emphasizes the potential impact on the PJM Interconnection service area, which spans 88,000 miles of transmission lines and encompasses a significant portion of the Atlantic coast. According to the lawmakers, the plan’s forced closure of existing power plants combined with an accelerated transition to renewable energy sources could lead to power rationing and escalating energy costs for consumers.
The letter states that the increased demand for electricity fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and manufacturing projects will soon double. The lawmakers warn that the planned transition, without adequate infrastructure and reliable energy sources, will result in a strained grid and higher electricity bills for consumers.
While the Biden administration has defended the plan, some Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), have expressed similar concerns. Manchin, a vocal critic of the administration’s energy policies, has argued that the EPA’s goal is to eliminate fossil fuels from the energy mix, leading to premature coal plant closures and restrictions on new natural gas plants.
The letter calls for a response from Administrator Regan by August, demanding answers about the administration’s consultation with stakeholders, including PJM, energy groups, grid operators, and agricultural, manufacturing, and technology sectors that rely on a stable electric grid. The lawmakers also question whether the administration considered the plan’s potential impact on its goals for electrifying transportation and home heating sectors.
Rep. Smucker, in exclusive comments, underscored the importance of energy security for national security. He criticized the administration’s approach, noting that PJM has already expressed concerns about meeting demand solely through renewables.
The EPA acknowledged but did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
