what is the measurable benefit?
That’s easy! Something on the order of double the price for electricity. Coal is by far the cheapest fuel for electricity, other than perhaps, hydro.
Coal fired power plants are closing years earlier than necessary because of EPA rules and no other reason. Ordinary closures, or plant obsolesence is probably also due to EPA mandates.
So, how long before the mandates take us into uncharted territory? I’m thinking we are already there. How much easier to control the masses when all they can think about is how to stay warm or cool depending on where you live. No time for mischief ala Bundy Ranch.
But really if that is part of the plan, someone has seriously misjudged the American People, ala Bundy Ranch. Watch the moves of your local power companies, they are being herded and their futures are in the incapable hands of washington bureaucrats.
Are you talking about keeping a power plant online despite the EPA, and protect it with militia?