The Biden administration’s sweeping power plant regulations could result in significant grid failures if implemented, according to a top energy regulator. Mark Christie, a commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), warned that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s finalized rules could cause “catastrophic” consequences for U.S. energy reliability.
The EPA’s regulations require coal plants and certain new natural gas plants to capture 90% of their carbon emissions by 2032. Christie argues that this mandate will lead to the closure of nearly all remaining coal plants and prevent the construction of new gas plants, which are crucial for maintaining a stable power supply. He emphasized that once these plants are retired, they cannot be easily brought back online, making the grid more vulnerable to shortages.
Christie also questioned the feasibility of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, noting that current evidence suggests it is neither technically nor commercially viable at the scale required by the EPA. This concern is shared by industry experts who warn that the rapid transition away from reliable fossil fuel sources could lead to blackouts and increased energy costs.
As electricity demand continues to rise due to electric vehicles and AI-driven data centers, Christie warned that the grid could face significant stress if reliable power sources are retired too quickly. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has also flagged several regions as being at elevated risk of power shortages during extreme weather. With the EPA’s rules facing legal challenges, the future of U.S. energy reliability remains uncertain.
