Today, the Environmental Protection Agency released its long-anticipated final rule targeting emissions from power plants across the country, impacting facilities like the Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, Ohio. The plant, described as the backbone of reliable and affordable electricity generation for Ohio’s electric cooperative members, is facing significant challenges ahead.
Pat O’Loughlin, president and CEO of Buckeye Power and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, criticized the EPA's regulations, stating, "EPA has again proposed an unrealistic and unachievable set of regulations on the production of electricity." O’Loughlin expressed concerns that the rules will harm electricity consumers and the economy while providing dubious environmental benefits.
Michelle Bloodworth, President and CEO of America's Power, emphasized the growing electricity demand due to technological advancements and economic growth, stating, "Electricity demand is exploding because of AI data centers, electric vehicles, and new manufacturing facilities." Bloodworth highlighted the need for dependable and affordable electricity sources like coal-fired power plants, expressing that the new EPA rules will accelerate coal retirements.
Duke Energy also raised concerns, mentioning the significant challenges the new power plant rules pose to customer reliability and affordability. The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) appreciated EPA’s efforts to align compliance deadlines but expressed doubts about the timeline for using CCS for compliance.
The new rule not only threatens the reliability and affordability of electric power but also jeopardizes the integrity of the entire electric grid, potentially leading to rolling blackouts during high-demand periods. Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives have heavily invested in emission controls at the Cardinal Plant to ensure it operates as one of the cleanest coal plants globally.
The Cardinal Plant, supplying over 70% of Ohio co-op’s electricity generation, plays a crucial role in powering homes and businesses across 77 counties in Ohio. With more than 300 employees, the plant is a significant economic contributor to the region.
In conclusion, the new EPA rules are raising concerns among industry leaders and stakeholders in Ohio, pointing towards potential impacts on both the reliability and affordability of electricity in the state.