CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The federal Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to repeal two Biden-era air quality rules that, had they been implemented, would have crippled and closed the nation’s coal-fired electric power plants.
The rules proposed for repeal include the carbon emissions rule and the Mercury & Air Toxics Standards Rule.
The carbon emissions or “Clean Power Plan” rule sought to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants by 32% from 2005 levels by 2030. The rule had also been found to be illegal based on landmark litigation pursued by then state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.
The Mercury & Air Toxics Rule was designed by the Biden Administration to shut down the nation’s coal power plants. Previous versions of the rule closed hundreds of coal-fired power plants around the country, including six power plants in West Virginia.
“We applaud the efforts of the Trump Administration to protect the nation’s electric supply and West Virginia’s coal industry,” said West Virginia Coal Association President and CEO Chris Hamilton. “Similarly, we acknowledge the legal precedence forged by the efforts of then Attorney General, and now Governor, Patrick Morrisey. The repeal of these rules will result in a stronger, more reliable American energy grid.”
“Today’s actions by Administrator Zeldin ensure that West Virginia’s coal industry will continue its tradition of powering this great country and we look forward to working with Governor Morrisey and the Legislature to implement President Trump’s coal energy agenda.”
