AISI Statement on Bills to Overturn EPA GHG Rule for Power Plants

WASHINGTON, D.C. –American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) President and CEO Kevin Dempsey provided the following statement regarding the House and Senate introduction today of legislation to overturn the EPA “Clean Power Plan 2.0” regulations under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The resolution, introduced by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and in the House by Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), would cancel the final rule released by EPA earlier this spring which sets new greenhouse gas (GHG) emission limits on coal- and natural gas-fired power plants:

“We applaud Senator Capito and Congressman Balderson for their leadership in supporting American steel producers, who depend heavily on affordable and reliable electricity. The American steel industry leads the world in terms of clean steel production and serves as the critical component in all clean energy technologies. Unfortunately, this EPA rule threatens the premature closure of a significant number of baseload power plants on which our sector relies —as EPA’s own analysis forecasts. We appreciate the nearly 200 members of Congress who agree and have cosponsored this resolution to overturn the regulation,” Dempsey said.

In comments submitted to EPA last year, AISI raised concerns about increased electricity prices and grid reliability issues likely to result from the stringent limits, and noted that the rule exceeds EPA’s legal authority under the Clean Air Act to impose a standard based on technologies that are not reasonably reliable and available within the time constraints of the rule.

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Contact: Lisa Harrison

202.452.7115 / lharrison@steel.org

AISI serves as the voice of the American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers reflecting the production of both carbon and stainless steels which are critical to the everyday lives of all Americans — including national security, roads and bridges, the electrical grid, clean energy technologies and the automotive market. AISI also represents nearly 80 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s website at www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (@AISISteel) or Instagram.