SE Nebraska News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Mike Flood has criticized President Joe Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its new rule that aims to phase out coal-fired power plants and hinder the construction of natural gas power plants. Congressman Flood voiced his concerns stating, “President Biden has explicitly stated that he’s working to shut down coal fired power plants across America even though coal is one of the most stable and cost-effective sources of energy available."

Reflecting on the impact of such a decision, Flood highlighted a past incident, saying, “In 2021, middle America got a foretaste of what life without coal power could be like when regional power resources failed to meet consumer needs during horrible winter weather." He also praised Nebraska for maintaining a strong baseload power generation reliant on coal, which helped the state avoid severe blackouts experienced elsewhere.

Expressing his apprehensions about the future, Congressman Flood warned, “Under President Biden’s plan, however, our baseload coal power supply could go away, and future winter weather events could plunge our state into the same cold and darkness others experienced just a couple of years ago." Flood emphasized his commitment to challenging the rule, stating, “This fight isn’t over. I expect that the rule will be challenged, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to protect our country’s energy security and keep the cost of heating and cooling affordable for working Americans."