Rocky Mountain Power has expressed support for a federal proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would allow the Dave Johnston Power Plant’s Unit 3 in Converse County, Wyoming, to remain operational. This proposal comes in response to increased electricity demand forecasts and would eliminate the previously mandated 2027 shutdown date for the coal-fired unit.
Background and Proposal Details
The EPA’s proposal aims to revise a 2014 Obama-era Wyoming regional haze Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) by removing the closure provision for Unit 3 and adjusting its emission limits. Under the new proposal, the plant would continue to operate under its current emission limits, rather than the stricter limits that would have necessitated its closure. The EPA has stated that they do not expect emissions to increase under this proposal.
Rocky Mountain Power, a division of PacifiCorp, withdrew its consent for the shutdown after new projections indicated a growing need for electricity across its regional service area. David Eskelsen, a spokesperson for the company, emphasized the importance of Unit 3 as a reliable source of baseload power for customers in the region. He noted that the company has long argued, alongside the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, that the retirement mandate was inappropriate under the Clean Air Act.
Support from Lawmakers and Impact on Wyoming
The proposal has garnered support from several Wyoming lawmakers. U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman highlighted the long-term benefits of President Trump’s infrastructure investments, which she believes will strengthen the domestic coal industry. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis also backed the proposal, citing its potential to support energy workers and meet rising power demands from sectors such as artificial intelligence.
Governor Mark Gordon pointed out the coal industry’s significant role in funding public services in Wyoming, particularly K–12 education, through coal severance taxes and royalties. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the stability of the coal industry for the state’s financial health.
While the proposal would keep Unit 3 operational, other units at the Dave Johnston Power Plant are slated for transitions. Units 1 and 2 are scheduled to convert to natural gas by 2029, with Unit 4 following in 2030. Rocky Mountain Power remains committed to complying with all environmental standards and will continue to work with the EPA and state regulators to achieve the visibility goals of the regional haze rule.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
