Epa Greenhouse Gas Rules Raise Cost Concerns For Co-ops

The head of the organization representing the nation’s electric co-ops says the latest carbon dioxide rule from the Environmental Protection Agency aimed at existing coal-based generation raises concerns for cooperatives across the country that are struggling to keep costs down for their members.

“Americans count on affordable and reliable energy to power our communities, promote job and economic growth, and keep costs in line for the basic necessities in our family budgets,” says Jo Ann Emerson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “New EPA regulations that add to the price of electricity have serious consequences for our communities, jobs, and families.”

Coal fuels about 40 percent of U.S. electric generation, and about 90 percent of the electricity in Kentucky.

“America’s electric cooperatives are naturally concerned that these regulations will increase electricity prices and force power plant shutdowns, thereby harming the economy and jobs of hard-working Americans,” Emerson says. “However, there are a lot of details to work through in this proposal and additional details that will be outlined in yet-to-be-developed state plans.”