The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to consider reliability of the electric grid as well as the significant investment by electric cooperatives in control technologies before setting new limits on mercury emissions and filterable particulate matter from coal-fired power plants.
“Co-ops would have to invest millions of dollars more in retrofits to comply with this proposal or retire units prematurely, leaving the nation short on available baseload generating resources when energy demand is escalating,” said Rae Cronmiller, NRECA environmental counsel.
“With electric reliability at stake, we encourage EPA to withdraw this proposed rule and reconsider its impact to the electric grid.”
EPA proposed the new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for power plants on April 23 and is expected to issue a final rule in 2024.
“To date, fPM emissions regulated under the 2012 rule have declined more than 80% and mercury emissions more than 94%,” said Cronmiller. “This notable progress must be considered by EPA in drafting an update. Instead of giving credit where credit is due, this proposed rule would lead to a costly mandate with no appreciable health benefits and the premature retirement of dependable coal-fired units that underpin reliable electricity.
“NRECA will continue to advocate for flexibilities that ensure these plants can continue to be used to provide reliable and affordable electricity.” — NRECA
