Southern West Virginia News

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH), along with ten other House members, have introduced a bill aimed at nullifying regulations set by the Biden administration that could lead to the early retirement of key American power plants.

The regulations in question stem from the "Clean Power Plan 2.0," finalized in May 2024, which imposes stringent emissions requirements on coal-fired and newly constructed natural gas-fired power plants. According to opponents, these rules threaten the reliability of power generation crucial for American families and businesses.

"The EPA’s Clean Power Plan 2.0 was a slap in the face to American energy producers, and a reminder that the Biden administration was determined to take down the U.S. coal industry in the name of ‘green’ energy," said Congresswoman Miller. She emphasized the need to reverse these regulations to protect power plants and jobs, expressing gratitude towards President Trump for his support in this effort.

Congressman Balderson echoed these concerns, stating that the plan would destabilize the electric grid and weaken energy security. "Forcing the premature retirement of our most reliable power plants is exceptionally shortsighted when it comes to addressing the long-term reliability of our electric grid," he said.

The legislation has gained support from several other representatives including Gary Palmer (R-AL), August Pfluger (R-TX), Bob Latta (R-OH), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rick Allen (R-GA), Randy Weber (R-TX), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Michael Rulli (R-OH), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).

This move comes amid warnings from grid operators about potential struggles in maintaining baseload power generation as electricity demand continues to rise at historic levels. The proposed legislation aligns with efforts by President Trump’s administration to reverse these regulations and safeguard American baseload power production.

Last year, Congresswoman Miller expressed her disapproval of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan 2.0 through a public statement, highlighting ongoing opposition within certain congressional circles.