10.17.19

Hoeven: Senate Upholds the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule

ACE Rule Replaced Previous Administration’s One-Size-Fits-All Regulations for Coal Power Plants

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement after voting against a resolution of disapproval that, had it passed, would have overturned the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule.  The ACE Rule replaced the costly one-size-fits-all emissions regulations for coal power plants issued by the previous Administration. The Senate voted to uphold the new ACE Rule and defeated the resolution of disapproval.

The ACE Rule replaced the previous Administration’s power plan rule, which unfairly targeted North Dakota and required a 45 percent reduction in the state’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, well above the national average of 32 percent. The ACE Rule ensures the vital role of states in developing their own plans for best system of emission reductions for existing power plants. This effort follows the intent of the Clean Air Act by allowing states ample time to establish performance standards for existing sources, while giving states flexibility to establish guidelines particular to the circumstances of each power plant. 

“As opposed to the previous Administration’s one-size-fits all power plan, the ACE Rule provides flexibility for states to develop and implement the emissions solutions that work best for them,” said Hoeven. “We can achieve both better environmental stewardship while still ensuring affordable, reliable electricity. That’s why we need to invest in new technologies, like CCUS, and support states’ efforts to implement the solutions that work best for them.”

The ACE rule aligns with Hoeven’s efforts to provide regulatory relief for the nation’s energy producers, while also reducing emissions from both traditional and renewable energy sources. This includes advancing the development and implementation of carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS) technologies, like Project Tundra and the Allam Cycle.  

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