Bill filed in Arkansas legislature to protect existing electric power plants
House Bill 1409 would require the state Public Service Commission not to retire any power plant 'until there is an equal or greater contracted new means of firm power available on the electric grid.'
Arkansas launches $10 million grant program to enhance electrical grid
The bill, under the title 'The Electric Reliability Act,' begins by stating how coal power plants have been 'targeted for closure by activist groups, state and federal regulators, and utility companies, with dozens of coal plants across the United States slated for closure in the next three (3) years.'
The legislation continues to list issues with the adequacy of wind and solar power and the need for reliable power in Arkansas.
The bill then states why Arkansas is empowered to make a law like this:
'Arkansas will use all means necessary to protect this state's electric utility service reliability because regulation of electric utility service and pollutants are not among the constitutionally delegated powers assigned to the United States Government and are reserved to the state under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.'
House Bill 1409 of the Arkansas 95th General Assembly
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Wayne Long (R-Bradford). As of Wednesday night, it has not been scheduled for its House reading.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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