Statement from Third Way Senior Vice President for Climate and Energy Josh Freed on new power plant rules from the Environmental Protection Agency

WASHINGTON—Third Way Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program Josh Freed issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s new power plant rule, which set emissions targets for existing coal-fired and future gas-fired power plants:

“The new power plant rule asserts the importance of technologies like natural gas with carbon capture and other clean firm sources in our energy transition. As the Biden Administration knows all too well, we cannot reduce emissions with renewables alone. Natural gas with carbon capture, nuclear, and other emerging technologies play a critical role in the clean energy transition and this rule affirms that all-of-the-above strategy.

"With this announcement, the Biden Administration continues to display their commitment to cheap and abundant energy for American families and reducing carbon emissions. It also shows that the Administration is embracing a diverse clean energy future, not the risky, renewables-only vision demanded by some.

"Importantly, the Administration only took this step after they created the infrastructure, access to capital, and support structures needed for industry to meet the moment. In doing so, the Administration has shown its faith in American industry to innovate and rise to meet the greatest challenges of our time.

"Some view the rule as too aggressive or, conversely, too lenient. We vehemently disagree. The reality is that the new power plant rule exemplifies the Biden administration’s ruthless pragmatism on climate change. Coal and natural gas plants have a reasonable runway to implement emissions abatement changes – and they have the technical know-how and the federal support to do so. The rule does not reduce our ability to produce natural gas or to generate energy. Instead, it sets the US on a path to produce vital energy without raising emissions.

"At a time of booming energy demand, rapid technological growth, and immense pressure on the electric grid, such changes are badly needed. Americans will continue to have access to the energy they need—including from natural gas—and industry will be able to reduce emissions without breaking the bank. It’s a win for industry, for American communities, and for our climate.”