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Signature Sponsor
June 24, 2025 - Below is a message from Chris Hamilton, President, West Virginia Coal Association:
The repeal of the Biden era Carbon and Mercury Mact rules under the Clean Air Act and OSM’s Proposed Ten Day Notice rule, along with HB 2014 becoming effective are among the significant industry actions scheduled over the next several months. Additionally, there are several important cases unfolding before the WVPSC which will also require our attention and response.
The two EPA rule actions appearing in the Federal Register last week (attached) involve the outright repeal of the Carbon and Mercury Mats rules which were designed to substantially reduce coal fired electric generation. We have been asked to help generate favorable support for these two EPA actions. Accordingly, comments are due on August 7 for the Carbon rule and August 11 on the Mercury mats rule.
WVCA will draft comments for both measures and coordinate additional comments among members and through Friends of Coal.
On the state level, HB 2014 "Power Generation and Consumption Act” becomes effective on July 11th and concurrently implements the important coal provisions contained in the Governor’s microgrid legislative program. The coal provisions are designed to require instate regulated coal plants to run at a higher capacity factor and schedule appropriate coal plant modifications to effectively extend the life of the existing coal fleet. When fully implemented, these measures should precipitate increased instate consumption of thermal coal supplies.
Earlier this month, the WVPSC moved forward on this proposal by issuing the attached orders compelling West Virginia’s regulated utilities to file revised Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) explaining in detail what upgrades need to be made and how they intend to extend the life of plants under their ownership.
Once the IRPs are submitted to the PSC, WVCA will have the opportunity to review and comment on the filings. WVCA has also moved to intervene in several rate cases and a Securitization case filed by Appalachian Power Companies and Wheeling Power Companies (APCo and WPCo) which have hearings set for July and August.
A review of these matters is planned for the Annual Membership Meeting in August but please give us a call if more information is desired or for questions.
Carbon Rule Repeal Proposal FR Notice June 17 2025 MATS Proposed Repeal FR Notice June 17 2025 |
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