Byrne Statement on Closure of Alabama Power Coal Units

Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) issued the following statement today following an announcement by Alabama Power that they will close two coal generating units in North Alabama and reduce or eliminate coal power units at Barry Steam Plant in Mobile County.

Alabama Power’s announcement comes in response to a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule on greenhouse gases at existing power plants.

Congressman Byrne has repeatedly warned about the impact the EPA’s rule would have on Alabama power production.

Byrne said: “It is extremely alarming to learn that Alabama Power will be closing coal units in North Alabama and cutting down on operations at Barry Steam Plant in North Mobile County due to an ill-conceived rule from the EPA. Just earlier this week I joined my colleagues from the Congressional Coal Caucus to draw attention to the harmful effects the Obama administration’s new rule on existing power plants will have on coal production in America.

“While the long-term impact of Alabama Power’s decision remains to be seen, it is clear that President Obama’s ‘war on coal’ is already starting to impact Alabama families. I fear that this is just the start and that this rule will continue to harm our economy and kill good-paying jobs. I will keep pushing President Obama and his activist EPA to abandon this rule and join House Republicans in supporting an all-of-the-above energy strategy.”