NRECA Chief Executive Officer Questions EPA’s Proposed Greenhouse Gas Rules
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced rules for greenhouse gas emissions this week, with initial requirements beginning in 2030, which could spur the retirement of certain coal-fired and gas-fired generators. The limits vary based on the size of the generator and certain operational characteristics. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Chief Executive Officer Jim Matheson expressed concern that the proposal may force “critical always-available power plants into early retirement,” while making new natural gas plants more challenging to permit, site, and build.