Grid Operators Join Challenge to EPA’s Clean Power Plan 2.0

Four of the nation’s largest electric grid operators – MISO, PJM, SPP, and ERCOT – have joined twenty-seven states in filing a legal challenge to EPA’s Clean Power Plan 2.0.   The four operators are responsible for maintaining the reliability of the electric power grids that collectively cover all or parts of 30 states.  Their filing cites EPA’s lack of concern about the harm the rule could cause to electric reliability.  They state: “Premature retirement decisions [relating to generating units] resulting from the Rule’s timelines will substantially strain each of the Joint ISOs/RTOs’ ability to maintain the reliability of the electric power grid to meet the needs of the citizenry and the country’s economy.”

See this excellent summary by America’s Power.

Some lawmakers on Capitol Hill are also pushing back.  Senators Capito and Balderson state in this thoughtful opinion letter: “The Clean Power Plan 2.0 will ultimately result in blackouts and brownouts, higher electricity rates for our constituents, and uncertainty for American businesses and manufacturers. Forcing our reliable baseload power into early retirement while electricity demand is growing at its highest rate in over 30 years is a recipe for disaster.”