CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — The Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia (GO-WV) welcomed action announced Monday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to repeal the majority of the 2024 greenhouse gas requirements for U.S. power plants, saying the move could help preserve reliable generation and create new opportunities for West Virginia natural gas.
GO-WV President Rebecca McPhail joined EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and other federal officials in Houston for the announcement.
EPA said the final rule repeals most of the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants and is projected to result in $310 billion in savings. EPA also proposed rescinding the remaining greenhouse gas emissions standards for the power sector.
“Today’s announcement is an important step toward ensuring America has the reliable, affordable energy needed to meet growing demand. West Virginia sits atop one of the world’s most abundant natural gas resources, and we have an enormous opportunity to put that resource to work,” McPhail said.
“A regulatory framework that recognizes the essential role of natural gas provides greater certainty to invest in the dispatchable generation America needs. For West Virginia, that means an opportunity to use more of our natural gas to generate electricity, create jobs, strengthen our economy and protect reliability for consumers.”
The repeal could also help moderate future electricity costs by avoiding compliance expenses that could otherwise influence plant operations, investment decisions and utility rates.
“An important benefit is avoiding unnecessary regulatory costs that could ultimately be passed on to consumers while allowing capital to be invested in plant maintenance, modernization and reliability.”
With electricity demand expected to grow significantly nationwide, McPhail said West Virginia has an opportunity to increase natural gas-fired generation and put more of the state’s resources to work at home.
“With these moves by the federal government, the stage is set for natural gas to play a bigger role in the power generation mix in West Virginia,” McPhail said. “We look forward to working with West Virginia lawmakers and regulators to unleash the great potential for natural gas generation.”
West Virginia’s natural gas and oil industry already plays a significant role in the state economy. The industry paid $318.3 million in severance taxes and $122.8 million in property taxes during fiscal year 2024-25 and supports approximately 73,000 jobs.
“At a time when demand is predicted to grow at unprecedented levels, we should be looking for practical ways to add and preserve reliable generation,” McPhail said. “A reasonable regulatory framework gives West Virginia a better opportunity to turn our abundant natural gas resources into dependable electricity, jobs and economic growth.”
“GO-WV appreciates Administrator Zeldin and the EPA’s recognition that reliability, affordability and economic growth must be part of America’s energy policy. We look forward to reviewing the action and ensuring West Virginia natural gas remains part of the solution.”
