We are disappointed, but not surprised, by the Supreme Court’s decision to let the EPA’s Carbon Rule (Greenhouse Gas Rule) stand while legal challenges continue. This rule sets unrealistic emission standards, particularly for regions like North Dakota where lignite-fired power plants play a critical role in providing reliable and affordable electricity. By imposing technology mandates that are not yet commercially viable, the EPA is pushing the power industry toward irreversible decisions that will harm grid reliability, raise costs for consumers, and threaten thousands of jobs in the Upper Midwest.
The Lignite Energy Council has long warned of the severe impact these overreaching regulations will have on our state’s coal fleet and power producers. North Dakota has been a leader in clean air standards and energy innovation, yet the EPA’s latest actions disregard the unique characteristics of our industry. Carbon capture technology, which we support and are actively developing, needs time and investment to mature. Mandating its widespread use before it’s commercially scalable is both irresponsible and dangerous for grid reliability.
We remain committed to fighting these rules in court. Our industry plays a vital role in ensuring that Americans have access to 24/7 baseload power, and we will continue to advocate for a balanced approach that safeguards the environment without sacrificing jobs or grid stability. As this case proceeds, we urge policymakers to recognize the essential role of coal and resist the rush to impose costly, premature solutions that threaten to destabilize the energy grid.