On Monday’s broadcast of CNBC’s “Last Call,” Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) said the EPA’s new regulations for coal-fired power generation are increasing demand for power and taking power away from the grid. said.
Host Brian Sullivan said, “Probably within 7 to 10 years, we’re going to need 25 to 50 percent more power generation to at least meet our AI and data center goals. We’re building solar power, we’re building wind power, we’re building battery storage. That’s great. But at least these new EPA rules that are being introduced or being discussed will capture 90% of the nasty emissions from coal. I’m sure the coal industry will say it can’t be done or that it would be cost-prohibitive. Are you worried about losing power when you need more?”
Mr. Manchin responded: “Well, not only am I worried about that, but FERC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Agency, too. [Commission] and NERC [North American Electric Reliability Corporation]Basically the people who are evaluating our power grid are saying we’re in the danger zone right now and they’re putting more demand on it. [it] Basically, it will give you more power 24/7. So the transition is coming. But you can’t get rid of something you rely on 24/7 unless you have a better replacement. That’s all. they aren’t there yet. ”
So Sullivan asked, “But are we actively taking off our clothes more than we are putting them on?”
“That’s exactly what the regulators told me,” Manchin responded.
Earlier, Manchin praised the increase in energy production under the Inflation Control Act.
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