Manchin to Block Biden’s EPA Nominees Over Power Plant Rules.

Sen. Joe Manchin Opposes EPA Nominees Over New Power Plant Rules

As the Biden administration prepares to issue new power plant rules, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is putting his foot down. The pro-fossil fuel centrist has vowed to oppose all EPA nominees until they halt their government overreach. Manchin’s opposition could throw a monkey wrench in the works as the Biden administration seeks to advance his environmental agenda.

Manchin’s Crucial Importance to Democrats

Manchin was critical to the creation and passage of both 2021’s infrastructure bill and the 2022 IRA. The latter is even known as the Schumer-Manchin bill. “Neither the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law nor the [Inflation Reduction Act] IRA gave new authority to regulate power plant emission standards,” Manchin said in his statement on May 10.

The EPA’s power plant rules are slated to be announced on May 11. The rules are expected to cap carbon emissions from plants, likely driving the wider use of carbon capture technology. It’s similar to an effort undertaken by former President Barack Obama.

New Regulations Could Strain Grid

The new power plant regulations will come just weeks after the agency proposed new emissions limits for coal plants aimed at mercury and other air pollutants. Energy industry analysts and representatives warned The Epoch Times the coal plant regulations could further strain an already stressed grid, citing ala.

• Biden stands by his well-qualified nominees to do the important work of the EPA.
• Manchin vows to oppose all EPA nominees until they halt their government overreach.
• The EPA’s power plant rules are slated to be announced on May 11.
• The new power plant regulations will come just weeks after the agency proposed new emissions limits for coal plants aimed at mercury and other air pollutants.

Manchin has intensified his opposition to the administration’s actions in recent weeks. “Let me be clear: If this continues, I’ll do everything in my power to stop them—including voting to repeal the IRA,” the lawmaker wrote on Twitter in late April.