Central ND News

Congressman Kelly Armstrong, Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, have introduced bicameral legislation to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing its new Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (MATS) rule. The Biden administration's MATS rule imposes stringent regulations on coal-fired electric power plants, which critics argue could lead to plant closures, jeopardize grid reliability, and increase costs for American families.

The MATS rule was first advanced in 2012 and contributed to the closure of several power plants before being overturned by the Supreme Court in 2015. The Biden administration has revived the rule using the same cost justification that was previously rejected by the Supreme Court. These regulations would replace existing cost-effective standards that were established under the Trump administration following an eight-year technology review.

"Coal is the largest source of electricity for our state," said Rep. Armstrong. "The Biden Administration’s attack on coal makes it impossible for providers of electrical and power sources to have a reliable and consistent grid from all necessary sources of energy. Weather has consequences in North Dakota, and the EPA should prioritize health and safety standards and ensure that North Dakotans can stay warm at 70 degrees or below. I am proud to partner with Senator Hoeven as we work to undo the Biden administration’s shortsighted rule."

Senator Hoeven added: “The Biden administration’s new MATS rule threatens access to reliable and affordable baseload power provided by our coal-fired power plants. Instead of empowering new technology and innovation to keep our lignite industry going, the Biden administration has revived an unworkable and costly MATS rule, based on an Obama-era rule that has already been rejected by the Supreme Court.”

Hoeven's resolution is being cosponsored by Senators Steve Daines, Marsha Blackburn, Shelley Moore Capito, John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis, Kevin Cramer, Roger Wicker, Mike Lee, Markwayne Mullin and Cindy Hyde-Smith. Armstrong’s resolution is being cosponsored by Representatives Ryan Zinke, Troy Balderson, Greg Pence, Morgan Griffith, Randy Weber, Mary Miller, Brett Guthrie, Glenn Grothman, Cliff Bentz and John Moolenaar.