Southern West Virginia News

The Congressional Coal Caucus, led by Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA), expressed their disappointment following the Supreme Court's decision to permit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce its power plant greenhouse gas rule.

In a statement, the co-chairs conveyed their hope that the Washington D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals would overturn what they consider an "illegal rule." They argued that the regulation targets coal and gas-fired power plants and aligns with what they describe as the Biden-Harris administration's "far left agenda." The co-chairs emphasized that American energy production is cleaner and more efficient than in other developed nations, warning that restricting it could benefit adversaries. They committed to opposing this rule to protect American workers and consumers.

The Congressional Coal Caucus serves as a representative body for American coal communities within Congress, covering both eastern and western mining states along with various types of coal produced nationwide.

Previously, the caucus participated in a bicameral resolution addressing concerns about emissions requirements imposed on existing coal-fired power plants and newly constructed gas-fired power plants. They highlighted parallels with past attempts under President Obama’s administration, which were overturned by the Supreme Court in West Virginia v. EPA.

The EPA finalized its Power Plant Rule on April 25th, 2024. According to critics, this rule threatens significant impacts on the electric grid, existing coal-fired power plants, new natural-gas fired power plants, and overall U.S. energy production. Opponents argue it violates the Clean Air Act and will result in increased energy prices, higher living costs for Americans, and potentially lead to shutting down most U.S. coal producers by 2032.