Photo by Jeff Barrett
By Julie Johansen
Government leaders and other officials have varied opinions on President Donald Trump’s order to review the Clean Power Plan issued by past President Barack Obama in 2015. The revised plan allows for each state to decide what regulations will be placed on coal-fired power plants. Many have felt that the federal regulations were unattainable and not affordable. Others, however, feel that this puts profit over public health and safety.
“While we are still reviewing the proposed Affordable Clean Energy Rule, we will continue to work closely with our state and local regulators and other stake holders to operate our facilities in a manner that is both effective and environmentally safe,” Tiffany Erickson, media representative for PacifiCorp reported.
Governor Gary Herbert and Congressman Chris Stewart were present when President Trump signed the repeal of the Clean Power Plan on Monday. The plan had been on hold since 2016 because Utah and other coal states had legally challenged it.
The revised plan gives power to each state to decide what regulations will be enforced on coal-fired power plants. Governor Herbert feels that Utah has a plan already that gives better options, which are more diverse and definitely more affordable.
Darrell Cunningham, manager of the Huntington Plant, commented that the decision of President Trump to rescind this rule gives new hope to local power plants to be able to run longer than expected.
“This lift could help to assure plants find a niche in the stiff market with renewable energy,” Cunningham said. “Employees at our plants are dedicated to produce power as economically and responsibly as possible. We have great teams both here and at Hunter. Coal miners in Carbon and Emery counties are a resilient people. Coal mining is a cyclic business, probably won’t rebound to the where it was in 1970s, but it continues to sustain and maintain.”
Environmental groups have expressed that this action puts profit above protection of the public.