Barr Applauds Trump EPA Action to Unleash American Energy

Washington, D.C.- Today, U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) applauded President Donald Trump and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin for taking historic action to roll back burdensome regulations on America's power sector and unleash reliable, affordable American energy.

The EPA finalized the repeal of Biden-era greenhouse gas regulations on coal- and natural gas-fired power plants and announced additional action aimed at eliminating remaining federal greenhouse gas regulations on the power sector. The EPA has described the broader effort as the largest power-sector deregulatory action in U.S. history. The agency estimates its rollback of Biden-era power plant regulations will save Americans approximately $310 billion, while eliminating remaining greenhouse gas-related power plant regulations is projected to save companies an additional $370 million in direct compliance costs.

"Kentuckians have been paying high electric bills and losing energy jobs in our communities because of Barack Obama and Joe Biden's war on Kentucky coal," said Congressman Barr. "Today's historic decision will put us closer to ending the war on coal, bringing back Kentucky coal jobs, and lowering energy costs for Kentuckians across the Commonwealth. I'll keep working with President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, and national leaders to unleash Kentucky coal and make American energy dominance permanent."

"For over 15 years, the Obama and Biden administrations implemented a war on coal to destroy reliable and affordable energy. The Trump Administration has come in to protect American energy and to make sure you can afford to keep the lights on," said EPA Administrator Zeldin. "Americans will see a decrease in electricity prices, but this is just the beginning. We are working to go even further so that American energy can be fully unleashed. Realizing the full potential of American energy means more jobs, lower prices, and a more prosperous America."

"The Trump administration is saving Americans hundreds of millions of dollars through common sense energy solutions that put an end to the Biden administration's disastrous Green New Scam policies enacted at the cost of our nation's energy security and future," said Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council and DOI Secretary Burgum. "This necessary reversal restores efficiency to our energy sector and allows our vital resources to be used for the benefit of the American people. Under President Trump, this administration will continue reversing course on out-of-touch Obama and Biden-era policies by unleashing American energy and securing our nation's energy independence for generations to come."

"The war on coal has driven up energy costs for families in Kentucky and across the country. Kentucky coal producers stand ready to lower costs, create good-paying jobs and keep America's lights on," said Sam McKown, President of the Kentucky Coal Association. "We commend President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for taking this important action, and we know Congressman Andy Barr will continue fighting in Washington to protect Kentucky coal and to support reliable and affordable energy."

Alliance Resource Partners also released this statement, "Alliance Resource Partners applauds the groundbreaking regulatory actions announced today and commends the bold leadership of the Trump administration. Today's actions help to remove senseless regulatory burdens that were forcing the premature closure of critical power infrastructure. Protecting the electric generating fleet is a national security priority and the key to ensuring affordable and reliable power for Kentucky and the nation."

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the Trump Administration's actions are designed to protect American energy production and lower electricity costs for families and businesses. The repeal is also expected to remove regulatory barriers facing existing coal-fired power plants and the construction of new natural gas generation as electricity demand continues to grow nationwide.