What They Are Saying: Huge Support Across America After Trump EPA Delivers Largest Power Sector Deregulatory Action in U.S. History, Saving Over $300 Billion
WASHINGTON – On Monday, September 14, 2026, at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, Texas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin finalized the largest power sector deregulatory action in U.S. history, repealing the majority of the Biden administration's greenhouse gas requirements for power plants. The action is estimated to save $310 billion. EPA also proposed rescinding every remaining greenhouse gas standard for the power sector, which, if finalized, would save an additional $370 million in direct compliance costs, along with billions more in savings for American families and businesses across the economy. Together, these actions will help restore reliable, affordable baseload power for the communities that depend on it. Administrator Zeldin was joined for the announcement by U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum and National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) Executive Director Jarrod Agen.
Here’s what people are saying:
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin: “For over 15 years, the Obama and Biden administrations implemented a war on coal to destroy reliable and affordable energy. The Trump Administration has come in to protect American energy and to make sure you can afford to keep the lights on. Americans will see a decrease in electricity prices, but this is just the beginning. We are working to go even further so that American energy can be fully unleashed. Realizing the full potential of American energy means more jobs, lower prices, and a more prosperous America.”
Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council and DOI Secretary Doug Burgum: “The Trump administration is saving Americans hundreds of millions of dollars through common sense energy solutions that put an end to the Biden administration's disastrous Green New Scam policies enacted at the cost of our nation's energy security and future. This necessary reversal restores efficiency to our energy sector and allows our vital resources to be used for the benefit of the American people. Under President Trump, this administration will continue reversing course on out-of-touch Obama and Biden-era policies by unleashing American energy and securing our nation's energy independence for generations to come.”
Secretary of Energy Chris Wright: “During periods of peak electricity demand, coal and natural gas continue to play a critical role in keeping the lights on. Today’s announcement will help ensure reliable electricity generation regardless of whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining by allowing coal and natural gas plants to keep generating power when Americans need it most. Unlike past administrations that prioritized the interests of climate alarmists, President Trump promised to put the American people first and he is delivering.”
NEDC Executive Director Jarrod Agen: “President Trump and Administrator Zeldin have yet again taken real action to save the American people money on their electricity costs. Thanks to President Trump’s EPA, common sense has prevailed, and our U.S. energy sector can unleash more reliable baseload power without the crippling regulations that have hurt American ratepayers. Announcing this repeal at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial shows the world that President Trump is unmatched in delivering his promise of energy dominance for America.”
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong: “Repealing this misguided rule lifts a cloud of uncertainty for our coal-fired power plants and the communities and workers they support, allowing them to continue producing affordable, reliable electricity in an environmentally responsible manner. We’re grateful to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Secretary Burgum and the Trump administration for supporting common-sense regulation, reversing these overreaching regulations and unleashing U.S. energy production to keep electricity affordable for consumers while strengthening our national security.”
Indiana Governor Mike Braun: “Today’s EPA action is a major step toward restoring reliable, affordable energy by removing burdensome regulations that threaten America’s power supply. This commonsense approach will support American workers, strengthen energy security, and help lower costs for families and businesses.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis: “Florida has led the way in restoring sanity to our grid and prioritizing the availability and reliability of energy while also reducing pollutants at record levels—all without mandates peddled by Green New Deal zealots. I welcome Administrator Zeldin’s efforts to eliminate burdensome regulations put in place by the Obama and Biden Administrations. America’s energy grid should serve the needs of the American people, not be a testing ground for experimental and ideological policies. These actions will help unleash American Energy, strengthen our grid, and save ratepayers billions of dollars.”
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy: “President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are putting American energy first by removing costly and unrealistic greenhouse gas mandates that threatened reliable power and drove up costs for families and businesses. This is good news for both Alaska and the nation and will save Americans billions of dollars. We have the energy resources to power our homes, businesses, military and economy, and we should be using them—not burying them under unnecessary federal regulations. I applaud the EPA for restoring common sense to America’s energy policy and clearing the way for greater energy security and opportunity.”
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte: “Under President Donald J. Trump and Administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA has put an end to the weaponization of the federal government against coal-generated power which threatened coal mines across the nation. Thanks to their strong leadership, America’s coal-fired and natural gas power plants can continue to support thousands of jobs and provide affordable, reliable baseload power while ensuring public health and the environment are protected.”
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon: “I welcome the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate the Biden Clean Power’s onerous restrictions regarding greenhouse gases. Under my administration, Wyoming litigated over the ability of the Biden Administration to regulate greenhouse gases and this is just further good news for our fossil fuel industry and our economy. I have consistently advocated for market-based solutions over ones driven solely by politics.”
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey: “The Trump Administration’s repeal of the 2024 power plant regulations is plain common sense. It’s good for consumers and good for utilities, and it keeps our domestic loads the world’s cleanest, safest and most reliable energy. Importantly, it comes at a critical time when America must meet the energy demands of today.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey: “Today marks an important victory for reliable, affordable American energy after years of fighting federal efforts to shut down West Virginia’s coal and natural gas industries. President Trump and Administrator Zeldin understand that America needs more energy, not regulations that force dependable sources of power off the grid and drive up costs for families and businesses. This action will help protect West Virginia jobs, strengthen our electric grid, and allow our state to continue powering the nation... West Virginia v. EPA remains a landmark decision in support of the rule of law. I am grateful that the Trump Administration has such a strong set of energy policies and will continue to work with them on advancing the policies behind today’s announcement.”
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen: “I am pleased that the EPA is taking common-sense steps to unburden our ratepayers. Nebraska has some of the most affordable electricity rates in the country due, in part, to our coal plants. I appreciate that the Trump Administration is taking electrical rate affordability seriously, which is critical to all of us right now.”
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders: “President Trump knows that the key to improving affordability for the American people is unleashing the power of American industry and putting more savings in hardworking families' pockets. This announcement does both. Arkansas suffered when Presidents Obama and Biden hamstrung our energy sector to cater to their far-left base. I’m excited to see President Trump fix their mistakes and put American industry and American families first.”
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV): “Finally, under President Trump’s leadership, we are ending the Biden-era Clean Power Plan 2.0, which was designed to eliminate coal and natural gas power generation, drastically increasing Americans’ electric bills. I have long opposed this rule and warned of the devastating economic impacts it would have in West Virginia, and the energy reliability concerns it would create across our country. I am grateful for EPA Administrator Zeldin’s steadfast commitment to reversing harmful regulations that would penalize coal and natural gas energy generation, as well as his continued support for affordability, electric grid reliability, and American energy dominance.”
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY): “America is an energy superpower. Under Republican leadership, we are acting like it. The Biden administration’s outrageous climate rules would have shut down power plants and increased energy costs for families across the country. Repealing these rules will take the handcuffs off of Wyoming’s energy workers so they can unleash affordable, reliable American energy. Thanks to President Trump, the war on American energy is officially over.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): “The Biden EPA’s power plant rules were an unlawful war on coal and gas that drove up costs and threatened our grids. This rollback restores reliable, affordable American energy and will save families hundreds of billions.”
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX): “Eleven years ago in Houston, I called the Obama EPA’s Clean Power Plan a lawless attempt to destabilize America’s energy system. Today, back in Houston, Administrator Lee Zeldin repealed the Biden administration’s 2024 power-plant rule, its successor. The fight has always been over who sets America’s energy policy. Congress never gave EPA the authority to remake America’s power grid. The Supreme Court confirmed that limit in West Virginia v. EPA. Administrator Zeldin, Secretary Wright, Secretary Burgum, and everyone who worked for this repeal deserve enormous credit. Today’s repeal is a major victory for American energy.”
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT): “It’s critical that the United States continues to provide reliable and affordable energy. I’m thrilled to see the recent announcement from the EPA to repeal power plan regulations that hinder U.S. energy. Thanks to the Trump Administration, this action will help save millions of dollars, provide jobs for Americans, and protect our nation’s energy dominance.”
Senator Jon Husted (R-OH): “The Biden-era Clean Power Plan 2.0 was driving up Americans’ electric bills and hurting American coal and natural gas production. I’m glad to see EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin repeal this plan and restore commonsense regulations that will help unleash American energy dominance.”
Senator Jim Justice (R-WV): “Another bad Biden-era energy policy is finally being put to rest. The Clean Power Plan 2.0 was a disaster designed to kill energy jobs, skyrocket utility bills, and weaken our power grid. Appreciate President Trump and EPA for tearing down these mandates and letting West Virginia coal and natural gas keep powering America.”
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY): “This is a win years in the making for Wyoming. The Obama and Biden administrations' EPA greenhouse gas rules were never about the environment, they were about shutting down our coal industry and driving up costs for working families across the country. I'm so glad to see the Trump administration undoing that damage and letting Wyoming get back to doing what we do best: powering this country.”
Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-06): “Kentuckians have been paying high electric bills and losing energy jobs in our communities because of Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s war on Kentucky coal. Today’s historic decision will put us closer to ending the war on coal, bringing back Kentucky coal jobs, and lowering energy costs for Kentuckians across the Commonwealth. I'll keep working with President Trump, Administrator Zeldin, and national leaders to unleash Kentucky coal and make American energy dominance permanent.”
Representative Riley Moore (R-WV-02): “The war on coal was always a war on hardworking Americans and our very way of life. With EPA’s decision to end Biden’s Clean Power Plan 2.0, the Trump administration is rejecting the Green New Scam that would have killed American jobs and is ushering in a new era of American energy dominance. Every state will benefit from this return to commonsense, but none more than West Virginia!”
Alliance Resource Partners: “Alliance Resource Partners applauds the groundbreaking regulatory actions announced today and commends the bold leadership of the Trump administration. Today’s actions help to remove senseless regulatory burdens that were forcing the premature closure of critical power infrastructure. Protecting the electric generating fleet is a national security priority and the key to ensuring affordable and reliable power for Kentucky and the nation.”
American Coal Council CEO Emily Arthun: “The American Coal Council applauds the EPA’s decision to roll back burdensome power plant regulations that threatened the reliability and affordability of America’s electric grid. Coal remains an essential source of secure, dependable baseload power that supports households, businesses, manufacturers, and critical infrastructure across the nation. This action recognizes the important role coal plays in maintaining energy security, strengthening our economy, and ensuring Americans continue to have access to reliable, affordable electricity. We look forward to working with the EPA and policymakers to support a balanced energy strategy that keeps the lights on, creates jobs, and advances America's energy independence.”
American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) President and CEO Kevin Dempsey: “AISI commends EPA for taking this action, which will ensure that American steel producers continue to have access to reliable and affordable electric power. The GHG limits imposed on existing power plants by the previous administration were based on use of carbon capture and sequestration technology to achieve at least a 90 percent reduction in GHG emissions, which was not adequately demonstrated to be commercially available for widespread use in the power sector. The EPA’s decision today will enable the American steel industry to continue to lead the world in low emissions and energy efficient steel production.”
America’s Power President and CEO Michelle Bloodworth: “America’s Power commends President Trump for repealing the Biden-era Carbon Rule and proposing to rescind the endangerment finding for power plants. Overturning these examples of EPA overreach will help preserve and strengthen the U.S. coal fleet, protect grid reliability, and shield electricity consumers from higher costs at a time of surging demand from data centers, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.”
Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation President and CEO Vernon “Buddy” Hasten: “Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) is grateful to the Environmental Protection Agency and Administrator Lee Zeldin for his leadership in the repeal of the Carbon Rule... These efforts ensure our cooperative members are not burdened by the high costs, unrealistic timelines and requirements that relied on technology that is not available at the scale and pace required to produce environmental benefits.”
Climate Depot Executive Director Marc Morano: “This is a huge and continuing effort by the Trump administration to enforce permanence in repealing the climate agenda. They're not only repealing the Endangerment Finding, but also trying to make it so future presidents can't reinstate it. This will prevent unelected bureaucrats hidden deep within the EPA from regulating the economy based on man-made climate fears.”
East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) President and CEO Don Mosier: “By striking down these regulations, Administrator Lee Zeldin and the U.S. EPA are protecting the reliability and affordability of electricity for America’s homes, businesses and industries. These rules were designed to raise costs and drive reliable power plants into retirement, so our cooperative thanks EPA for acting responsibly to repeal them.”
Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia President Rebecca McPhail: “One of the largest federal barriers to building new natural-gas-fired generation has been removed at precisely the moment America needs unprecedented amounts of new, reliable electricity. West Virginia should seize that opportunity to turn more of the natural gas produced beneath our feet into electricity generated here at home.”
Kentucky Coal Association President Sam McKown: “The war on coal has driven up energy costs for families in Kentucky and across the country. Kentucky coal producers stand ready to lower costs, create good-paying jobs and keep America’s lights on. We commend President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for taking this important action, and we know Congressman Andy Barr will continue fighting in Washington to protect Kentucky coal and to support reliable and affordable energy.”
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association CEO Jim Matheson: “We appreciate the administration’s action to roll back portions of the Biden-era power plant rule, which is unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable. The Biden rule exacerbates the pressures facing America’s electric grid by forcing critical existing power plants into early retirement and severely restricting the operation of new natural gas plants. As demand for electricity skyrockets, America’s electric grid needs every available electron. It is critical that EPA work quickly to finish the job and finalize the proposed rule released by the agency this week.”
Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Power Generation Vice President Tom Alban: “Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives supports the EPA’s recent decision to repeal parts of the Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Rule. The 24 member-owned, not-for-profit electric distribution cooperatives in the state have a common mission to provide reliable, affordable electricity to more than 400,000 members in the communities they serve... Thanks to the administration’s decision, Ohio co-op members will continue receiving affordable and reliable electricity.”
Pennsylvania Coal Alliance Executive Director Rachel Gleason: “Policies under previous administrations were advanced with the intent to prematurely shutter coal plants and other sources of American energy, drive up rates, and put our electric grids at risk. The Trump Administration’s repeal of the Rule, which never took effect as it was held in abeyance by the Court, rightfully recognizes that collective intent by acknowledging a lack of authority, and the technology required by the Rule has not been adequately demonstrated.”
Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma President Brooke Simmons: “This move by the Trump Administration restores the rule of law at EPA. It is good news for ratepayers, Oklahoma’s budget, the U.S. natural gas industry, and electric utilities serving customers statewide. It allows utilities to make power generation decisions based on reliability instead of pushing them toward intermittent, weather-dependent generation. Oklahoma has abundant, affordable, clean-burning natural gas resources to provide reliable, around-the-clock electricity. Greater use of natural gas means more investment in our state, greater demand for Oklahoma-produced energy, and a stronger, more dependable electric grid. I applaud Administrator Zeldin and his entire team for this move.”
Power the Future: “Biden’s energy plan was simple: shut down reliable power plants and hope the lights stay on. Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin are ending that insanity. More American power. A stronger grid. Lower costs. This is the way.”
Reliable Energy President Savannah Kerstiens: “By removing burdensome federal carbon mandates, the EPA’s action helps preserve dispatchable generation, protect jobs, and reduce pressure for unnecessary increases in household and business electric bills.”
Steel Manufacturers Association Executive Vice President Brandon Farris: “The Steel Manufacturers Association applauds EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for providing greater regulatory certainty and advancing American energy security. Repealing the 2024 requirements for fossil fuel power generation will help preserve and build the reliable, affordable electricity America needs to support manufacturing, investment, and economic growth. We thank Administrator Zeldin and the EPA for recognizing the importance of a strong American manufacturing sector. SMA looks forward to continuing to work with the Administration on practical regulations that protect our environment while powering economic growth, and American competitiveness.”
Texas Railroad Commission Oil and Gas Division Advisor Charles Maguire: “Leadership means not only doing things the right way, but also doing the right things … this is true leadership in action. Following the rule of law will make it durable !!! Great job President Trump Team at EPA!”
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute President Marty Durbin: “The U.S. Chamber supports the EPA's decision to terminate the majority of the unworkable Clean Power Plan 2.0, which imposed unrealistic expectations on electricity producers and forced the country to compete with one hand tied behind its back. Eliminating these requirements allows the United States to generate the electricity needed to maintain our domestic energy security and our competitive edge in critical fields like artificial intelligence. Freed from these constraints, America's power producers can now focus on meeting the nation's surging electricity demand with reliable and affordable power.”
West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton: “Today’s action is a win for America’s coal, our electric grid, and the families and businesses that depend on affordable, reliable power. The prior rule threatened to force the premature retirement of dependable coal-fired generation and impose enormous compliance costs that ultimately would have been paid by ratepayers.”