[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2508-S2509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             S.J. RES. 188

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I rise today in opposition to S.J. Res. 
188, the CRA introduced by my colleague from Rhode Island Senator 
Whitehouse to overturn the Trump EPA's repeal of the Biden MATS rule. 
This rule would reinstate the 2024 MATS rule that was part of the Biden 
administration's power sector strategy specifically designed to shut 
down coal-fired powerplants.
  During the Biden administration, we witnessed a regulatory attack 
that targeted affordable and reliable sources of energy that extreme 
environmentalists just do not like. The result was predictable and one 
that many of us warned about: The Biden administration created a grid 
reliability crisis and increased power prices.
  We are now in a critical moment for American energy. We must ensure 
the energy required to onshore American manufacturing, win the AI race, 
and keep our lights on and our homes warm while addressing energy costs 
for families and businesses. We should be expanding our energy 
production and electric generation, not shutting it down. The Biden-era 
MATS rule and

[[Page S2509]]

this CRA that would resuscitate that rule are intended to close coal-
fired powerplants.
  In 2020, the EPA found that the existing MATS standards are 
protective of public health. Let me say that again. In 2020, the EPA 
found that the existing--pre to the Biden rule--MATS standards are 
protective of public health, with an ample margin of safety, and that 
revisions are not necessary. This finding was reaffirmed with, by, and 
for the Biden administration.
  According to the EPA, by 2021, mercury emissions from coal-fired 
powerplants were down 90 percent compared to pre-2012 levels. Despite 
these facts, the Biden EPA proceeded to finalize a rulemaking that had 
$860 million in compliance costs, which is twice as much as the claimed 
benefits.
  The Trump administration has rightfully repealed these unnecessary 
and stringent standards.
  This CRA would return to the failed policies of shutting down 
American energy, increasing consumer costs and putting American energy 
workers out of business. So I urge my colleagues to vote no on this 
CRA.
  With that, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Rhode Island.

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