Grid Regulator Warns Biden’s Energy Rules Could Create ‘Catastrophic’ Power Shortages

Mark Christie, a commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), is warning that President Biden’s sweeping new power plant regulations could lead to widespread power shortages and grid failures. In a letter to Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Christie described the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s finalized power plant rules as a potential “catastrophe” for the nation’s energy reliability.

The regulations require existing coal plants to reduce their carbon emissions by 90% by 2032 to remain operational. Certain new natural gas plants would also need to meet this stringent standard. Christie argued that the rules would force the closure of nearly all remaining coal plants and prevent the construction of new gas plants, both of which are critical for maintaining grid reliability. He emphasized that once these plants are retired, they cannot be easily brought back online.

Christie also cast doubt on the feasibility of the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology required by the EPA’s rules. According to Christie, the overwhelming expert consensus is that a 90% carbon capture standard is neither technically nor commercially feasible, raising concerns that the regulations are based on unrealistic assumptions.

These warnings align with concerns from energy experts who argue that the rapid retirement of fossil fuel plants without adequate replacements could result in blackouts. Christie has previously testified before Congress about the risks of grid instability if reliable power sources are taken offline too quickly.

With the Biden administration pushing for increased electrification, including electric vehicles and data centers, electricity demand is expected to rise. Christie cautioned that the grid could face serious challenges if reliable fossil fuel capacity is retired faster than renewable energy can replace it. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has also warned that several regions are already at elevated risk of power outages under extreme conditions.