CHARLESTON – More leaders are weighing in on new EPA rules that would force coal-fired and natural gas-powered plants to capture smokestack emissions or shut down.
Gov. Jim Justice said the Environmental Protection Agency move threatens the future of West Virginia miners, workers and the energy industry.
“I am incredibly frustrated by the latest EPA rules demanding our power plants eliminate emissions or shut down operations,” Justice said April 25 during a press event at the West Vriginia Coal Association event in Wheeling. “Once again, this is a clear sign of federal overreach, and it completely disregards the important role West Virginia plays in the nation's energy landscape.”
Roberts
| File photo
The rule was among four targeting coal and natural gas plants the EPA said would provide “regulatory certainty” to the power industry and encourage them to make investments to transition “to a clean energy economy.” The measures include requirements to reduce toxic wastewater pollutants from coal-fired plants and to safely manage coal ash in unlined storage ponds. EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the rules will reduce pollution and improve public health while supporting the reliable, long-term supply of electricity that America needs.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey vowed his office will fight back against the EPA rules, as did U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).
The rules are a key part of the Biden administration’s pledge to eliminate carbon pollution from the electricity sector by 2035 and from the entire economy by 2050. The EPA also tightened rules to reduce wastewater pollution from coal-fired power plants and prevent harm from toxic pits of coal ash, a waste byproduct of burning coal.
The new rules originally included steps to cut emissions from existing natural gas plants, but that was delayed until at least next year.
The power plant rule marks the first time the federal government has restricted carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. The rule also would require future electric plants fueled by coal or gas to control up to 90 percent of their carbon pollution.
Coal provided 16 percent of U.S. electricity last year. That’s down from 45 percent in 2010. Natural gas now provides about 43 percent of electricity in America, with the rest from nuclear energy and renewables.
“The EPA and White House's tone is clear: West Virginia doesn't matter,” Justice said in his remarks at the Coal Association event. “We are being told to close our facilities and send workers home without considering the economic impact. All West Virginians need to support our miners right now.
“Our miners have been pillars of strength for this country. They've given us so much, and they ask for so little. I cannot thank them enough for their work, and we will never give up on them, especially not now.
“I refuse to accept that thousands of hardworking West Virginians in our plants and mines are expendable. I promise you, not under my watch.”
Justice said America relies on West Virginia for dependable energy.
“As we face unprecedented demand, the idea of decommissioning coal and natural gas facilities will unquestionably destabilize our energy grid,” he said. “For every plant that closes in the United States, nations like China and India are rapidly expanding their coal-power capacity and building two in its place. This destructive strategy undermines our national security and energy independence.
“We also need to consider the broader implications of weakening our energy infrastructure. Any disruption not only compromises our grid but also our national defense. Why would we blow our legs off at a time like this?”
United Mine Workers of America International President Cecil E. Roberts said union officials are analyzing the potential impact of the rule and will have more to say later.
“At first glance, however, this rule looks to set the funeral date for thermal coal mining in America for 2032 – just seven and a half years away – along with the hundreds of thousands of jobs that are directly and indirectly associated with it,” Roberts said. “EPA says that coal-fired power plants can continue to operate until 2039 if they co-fire with 40 percent natural gas.
“I do not think any will do so, due to technical and legal constraints, including the cost and availability of natural gas.”
Roberts said he has “deep concerns” about the technical feasibility of implementing fully commercial Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology by 2032, especially given the pace of the administration’s implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s funding for the construction of coal-fired CCS demonstration plants. CCS technology is simply not for prime time.
“As an organization dedicated to safeguarding the livelihoods of our members, our aim has always been and will always be ensuring that they have jobs and financial security,” Roberts said. “We recognize the importance of reducing carbon emissions.
“However, it is crucial to ensure that any proposed solutions are both practical and achievable within the given timeframe.”
Roberts said any effort to eliminate coal jobs should be matched with efforts to create jobs in those communities.
“That is simply not happening,” he said. “Despite many promises, the pace of bringing new high-quality manufacturing and production jobs to the coalfields has been glacial. I am not aware of a single dislocated coal miner who has been hired as a result of legislation or other initiatives put in place over the last several years.
“Rushing the closure of coal-fired power plants will both jeopardize the reliability of the nation’s power grid and threaten the livelihoods of our members. This frankly does not fulfill the administration’s promises to coalfield communities. We will continue to seek ways to keep our members, their families, and their communities whole.”
