Kentuckians are sounding off on the EPA’s Carbon Rule that would put the state’s electric reliability and economy at risk. In a series of news articles, social media postings, and press releases, Kentucky leaders are voicing their strong opposition to the regulation and the damage it poses to the state.
In a press release and on social media, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman called for an audit of the EPA saying:
- “Kentuckians are facing enough challenges right now with historic inflation, violent crime and deadly drugs pouring into our country. Instead of focusing on these pressing issues, the Biden Administration and its EPA have spent billions to come after Kentucky’s affordable and reliable energy and advance a radical green agenda. It’s time to audit the EPA and its oppressive regulatory assault.”
In an earlier release, Attorney General Coleman also spotlighted concerns being shared by some of Kentucky’s leading energy experts about the EPA rule:
- “As member-owned cooperatives, we have a duty to fight for the Kentuckians at the end of the line who pay the price when bureaucrats carelessly inflict unrealistic and harmful regulations. The EPA’s rule is an assault on the electric reliability Kentucky relies on to keep our communities safe, healthy and prosperous,” said Kentucky Electric Cooperatives President and CEO Chris Perry.
- “EPA’s attempt to force wide adoption of emerging carbon capture/sequestration technology will be disastrous for America’s electric grid. EPA’s final GHG rule will force the cost of electricity in the U.S. to skyrocket, making it unaffordable for those most at risk, while also making electric service unreliable for Americans and driving manufacturing overseas,” said East Kentucky Power Cooperative President and CEO Anthony “Tony” Campbell.
In an article published by The Lane Report, Campbell also discussed the important role that reliable electricity plays to Kentucky’s economy:
- “Energy-intensive operations need reliable 24/7/365 electricity at competitive prices in order to thrive in the global marketplace. We understand this very well, having served a major steel mill—one of Kentucky’s largest energy consumers—for over two decades and through several major expansions. We also serve large operations in aerospace, automotive and advanced manufacturing, all located here in Kentucky.”
In the Louisville Courier Journal, Perry – whose association represents electric cooperatives throughout Kentucky – wrote at length about his problems with the EPA’s rule:
- “The independent authority overseeing our electric reliability, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, identifies “government policy” as the number one threat. Let that sink in. To save the electric grid, we need to convince Washington policymakers that Americans prioritize health and prosperity over political agendas. We need decision makers to base energy policy on engineering realities rather than emotions and magical thinking.”
- “The 24/7 electric service we enjoy today is only possible because of energy sources that are always available, regardless of the weather. Examples include natural gas, nuclear, coal, and to some extent, hydropower. These energy sources are “dispatchable,” meaning they are ready to perform at any time.”
- “This is not a partisan fight. The electric cooperatives I represent are made up of Democrats, Republicans and independents. We do not own any coal mines or natural gas pipelines. We are not-for-profit entities. Member-owned co-ops have a duty to serve their members, and that is why I am sounding the alarm today. Regrettably, this might be the first time you are reading a sober and fact-based update on this critical issue. And I fully expect to be attacked by activists who are ready to unplug America. But it’s time for those of us who are simply working and taking care of our families and communities to let our voices be heard. With our very livelihoods at stake, we cannot afford the sound of silence.”
Even as the EPA continues to ignore the dangerous consequences of their Carbon Rule, states like Kentucky are paying attention and continuing to speak up.
