COAL POWER Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3870
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-10: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-19T09:06:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 3870: COAL POWER Act
Purpose
The legislation aims to repeal a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that updates national standards for hazardous air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units. By nullifying this rule, the bill seeks to prevent additional regulatory requirements on these power plants, which the sponsors describe as combating overregulation of proven energy resources.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is titled the "Combating Overregulation And Limitation of Proven, Operable, Working Energy Resources Act" or the "COAL POWER Act."
- Repeal of EPA Rule: The final EPA rule titled "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review" (published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2024, at 89 Fed. Reg. 38508) is explicitly repealed. It is declared to have no legal force or effect and is treated as if it had never been issued.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill would directly overturn the 2024 EPA rule, which reviewed and potentially tightened emission limits for hazardous air pollutants (like mercury and other toxins) from coal- and oil-fired power plants under the Clean Air Act.
- Without this repeal, the rule would have updated existing standards based on residual risk assessments (evaluating remaining health risks after current controls) and technology reviews (assessing newer pollution control methods). The repeal restores the pre-2024 standards, effectively halting these updates.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The EPA would lose authority over the repealed rule, potentially reducing its regulatory workload but limiting its ability to address air pollution from fossil fuel plants. This could shift enforcement back to older standards.
- Citizens: Communities near power plants might face unchanged or higher exposure to hazardous air pollutants, potentially affecting public health (e.g., respiratory issues or environmental contamination). However, it could also stabilize energy costs by avoiding compliance expenses passed on to consumers.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence U.S. commitments under global climate agreements by easing restrictions on coal and oil emissions, which contribute to greenhouse gases.
- Energy Sector: Coal- and oil-fired plants could avoid costly upgrades, supporting continued operation and jobs in fossil fuel-dependent regions, but at the potential cost of delayed transition to cleaner energy sources.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Energy Industry: Coal and oil utility operators benefit from reduced regulatory burdens, including sponsors' districts with significant fossil fuel interests.
- Environmental and Health Groups: Advocacy organizations (e.g., those focused on clean air) may oppose the repeal, as it could weaken protections against toxic emissions.
- Government Entities: The EPA and state environmental agencies would need to adjust enforcement priorities.
- Workers and Communities: Employees in coal/oil sectors gain operational stability; nearby residents face potential health trade-offs.
- Consumers and Businesses: Broader economy sees possible lower electricity rates but risks from environmental degradation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill uses congressional authority under the Congressional Review Act-like mechanism to override an agency rule, reinforcing Congress's oversight of executive regulations. It does not alter the underlying Clean Air Act but targets a specific implementation, which could face legal challenges if enacted (e.g., on procedural grounds or environmental impact).
- Constitutional: Aligns with separation of powers by allowing legislative reversal of administrative actions, but critics might argue it undermines the executive's delegated authority for environmental protection.
- Political: Introduced by a bipartisan but primarily Republican group in the House, it reflects debates over deregulation versus environmental safeguards. Passage could signal a policy shift toward fossil fuel support, influencing future energy and climate legislation, though it requires Senate approval and presidential signature to become law.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large], Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-1], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5], Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-10: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-06-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Combating Overregulation And Limitation of Proven, Operable, Working Energy Resources Act — issued 2025-06-10 — PDF (2 pages)