Us Congress Senate Bill SB1923

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/12/23
• Refer: 6/12/23

Caption

POPP Act of 2023 Protect Our Power Plants Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, SB1923 would effectively block the EPA from enforcing emission guidelines that could reshape the electricity grid and impact a wide array of industries reliant on fossil fuels. Proponents of the bill argue that this action is necessary to prevent what they view as the federal government's excessive control over state power generation and energy policies. They assert that the industry should be allowed latitude to innovate and adapt without the impositions of stringent federal standards that may not be feasible at this time.

Summary

SB1923, known as the Protect Our Power Plants Act of 2023 (POPP Act), seeks to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a proposed rule regarding new source performance standards for greenhouse gas emissions from certain stationary sources. This proposed rule was aimed at significant modifications to the standards governing emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. The bill's sponsors argue that the EPA has overstepped its authority under the Clean Air Act, which requires explicit congressional authorization for rules with substantial economic implications.

Contention

The bill has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and various stakeholders. Supporters believe it affirms the autonomy of states and energy producers to manage their own emissions and energy production methods, while critics argue it undermines critical efforts to tackle climate change and protect public health. The proposed prohibitions on the EPA's authority are viewed by many as an attempt to roll back necessary environmental protections that would ensure responsible and sustainable energy production practices moving forward.