President Obama has instructed the EPA to propose new rules regarding existing power plants by June 2015. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Public Utility Commission of Texas have written a letter to the EPA in response to the plan. The letter, sent to EPA administrators after the agency asked for feedback, outlines several concerns, including those about the federal rule-making process and electric reliability.
“Generators should not be penalized for increased [greenhouse gas emissions] needed to maintain system reliability,” the letter said. “The PUC and TCEQ urge the EPA to consider all aspects of grid reliability in developing [a greenhouse gas] rule for existing power plants.” Federal regulators have already proposed greenhouse gas limits for power plants that have yet to be built.
A group of states, including Texas, and industry coalitions has also challenged the EPA for requiring that power plants and other large greenhouse gas emitters apply for new permits. The Supreme Court will hear their arguments on February 24.