Media Contact: Nicole Burton
502-564-2611
Nicole.Burton@ky.gov
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2019) – Gov. Matt Bevin last week joined a coalition of officials from 20 states in supporting the Trump Administration's pro-coal Affordable Clean Energy rule as it faces a challenge in court by Democratic attorneys general.
The coalition, in a motion filed on Sept. 12, seeks to intervene in support of the Trump Administration's repeal of former President Obama's so-called Clean Power Plan.
"Kentuckians are grateful for President Trump and the Environmental Protection Agency's new Affordable Clean Energy rule," said Gov. Bevin. "The Obama Administration's former 'Clean Power Plan' was poised to shut down power plants, put coal miners out of business and cause devastating harm to state economies — all with no tangible benefit to anyone. We are proud to join this strong coalition in defense of states' rights to innovate and modernize their own energy plans."
The coalition’s motion contends that the interests of their respective states in maintaining their sovereignty will be impaired without intervention in the lawsuit. The states also argue they must intervene since no other entity will adequately represent these interests.
The Affordable Clean Energy rule will respect the important role of states in regulating energy and air quality. It is a significant step forward in embracing Congress’ intent for cooperation between the state and federal governments, correcting the Obama-era, one-size-fits-all model that promised to devastate coal communities across the nation.
Such cooperation restores each state’s authority to consider factors specific to the energy needs and facilities in their borders, including costs, practical achievability and the useful life of any particular power plant.
Kentucky joined the West Virginia-led motion with Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
All of these states except for Kentucky and Mississippi were represented by their respective attorneys general.
Kentucky's Attorney General Andy Beshear, per his usual practice, refused to participate in this pro-coal filing. Therefore, Gov. Bevin instructed his legal team to join the case on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
To download a copy of the motion, click here.