Senators Shelley Capito and Carol Miller of West Virginia have introduced the Protect Our Power Plants Act to counter the Biden administration's EPA regulations that could lead to the closure of numerous coal and gas-fired power plants in their state. The EPA's proposed regulations aim to drastically reduce power sector emissions by 2042, forcing plants to either adopt expensive carbon capture technology or shut down.

This aggressive plan seeks to cut pollution by approximately 90% in the next two decades. The West Virginia representatives argue that these regulations disregard the Supreme Court's ruling in West Virginia v. EPA and threaten both jobs and energy affordability. The Protect Our Power Plants Act seeks to block the EPA from implementing these new source performance standards.

Senator Capito criticized the Biden administration for what she sees as an overreach of authority, emphasizing the potential negative impact on American workers and energy costs. She believes the proposed legislation is crucial for preserving America's position as a leading energy producer. Representative Miller echoed these concerns, accusing the EPA of waging war on power plants and undermining U.S. energy dominance.

The representatives argue the bill is necessary to protect West Virginia's energy industry and prevent the implementation of what they consider radical environmental policies. They believe these policies prioritize a Green New Deal agenda over domestic energy production. Biden's broader climate agenda aims for a 100% carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, heavily favoring renewable energy sources. Analysis suggests the EPA's proposal could significantly reduce coal-based electricity generation, even with the adoption of carbon capture technology.