ACCCE Commends EPA for Proposed Replacement Rule

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to replace the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan (CPP). America’s Power (ACCCE) issued the following statement by Michelle Bloodworth, President and CEO:

“We are pleased that EPA has proposed a rule to replace the Clean Power Plan, especially one that allows the states to play a crucial role in determining which emission reduction measures make sense.  In contrast to the illegal Clean Power Plan, EPA’s proposal is based on a correct reading of the Clean Air Act,” said Bloodworth.   “The Clean Power Plan would have caused more fuel-secure coal-fired power plants to retire prematurely even though policy makers have become increasingly concerned that coal retirements are a threat to grid resilience and national security.”

According to ACCCE analysis, almost 40 percent of the nation’s coal fleet has retired or announced plans to retire.  See www.americaspower.org.  The coal fleet provides fuel security by maintaining an on-site supply of coal that can last an average of more than 70 days, according to EIA data.

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America’s Power (ACCCE) is a partnership of industries involved in the production of electricity from coal.  Coal is an affordable, reliable, and fuel secure energy resource that provides almost one-third of our nation’s electricity.