WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) led his House colleagues in introducing legislation to nullify Biden-era regulations that would send America’s most critical power plants into early retirement.
The “Clean Power Plan 2.0,” finalized in May 2024, imposes impossible-to-meet emissions requirements on existing coal-fired and newly constructed natural gas-fired power plants. If left in place, this rule will lead to the premature retirement of power plants that generate the reliable power American families and businesses rely upon.
Balderson, Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT), is joined by Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-6) of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11) in introducing this legislation.
“The ‘Clean Power Plan 2.0’ was the flagship initiative of the Biden-led EPA that, if fully implemented, would destabilize our electric grid and weaken American energy security,” said Balderson. “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. Ohio and the rest of the nation are in the middle of a historic surge in power demand. Nullifying the Biden Administration’s disastrous Clean Power Plan 2.0 will ensure that the lights stay on and the American economy keeps humming.”
“The EPA’s ‘Clean Power Plan 2.0’ is one of the most reckless regulations stemming from the Biden administration’s war on energy,” said Chairman Pfluger. “After years of rising energy costs, and with energy demand projected to reach record highs, the last thing our country can afford is the EPA’s dangerous attempt to shut down reliable power plants. I applaud Rep. Balderson for introducing this important legislation and for his leadership in advancing policies that will ensure America can grow through abundant, reliable power.”
As electricity demand continues to grow at historic levels, grid operators warn that baseload power generation may struggle to keep pace in the coming years. For example, central Ohio is projected to double its electricity demand between 2018 and 2028. If left in place, energy experts warn that our electric grid will fall short and not meet future American demand for power.
Balderson previously introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act in June 2024 to block the EPA rule. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced a companion resolution in the Senate.
President Trump and his administration have indicated they are actively working to reverse the Biden power plant rule. This legislation supports the Trump Administration’s actions and efforts to protect American baseload power production.
Additional House co-sponsors include Representatives Bob Latta (OH-5), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Rick Allen (GA-12), Randy Weber (TX-14), Carol Miller (WV-1), Morgan Griffith (VA-9), Michael Rulli (OH-6), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Ryan Zinke (MT-1). Full text of the bill can be found HERE.
Full text of the bill can be found HERE.
