US EPA Proposes Repeal of Emission Standards for Fossil Fuel Power Plants
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, alongside members of Congress and Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, announced proposals aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on coal-, oil-, and gas-fired power plants.
These measures, designed to ensure affordable and dependable energy, include the repeal of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards and amendments to the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)for power plants.
The goal is to remove costly regulations that have raised living expenses for American families, disrupted energy grid reliability, and limited U.S. energy prosperity.
Targeted Regulatory Reforms for Cleaner, Reliable Energy
The EPA’s proposed changes focus on repealing the 2015 emissions standards for new fossil fuel-fired power plants (under the Obama-Biden administration) and the 2024 rule for both new and existing fossil fuel-fired power plants (under the Biden-Harris administration).
These changes are part of a broader effort to move away from regulatory measures that some argue have unnecessarily harmed the affordability of electricity and restricted energy resources.
EPA Administrator Zeldin said, “Affordable, reliable electricity is key to the American dream and a natural byproduct of national energy dominance.”
He added, “According to many, the primary purpose of these Biden-Harris administration regulations was to destroy industries that didn't align with their narrow-minded climate change zealotry. Together, these rules have been criticized as being designed to regulate coal, oil and gas out of existence.”
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The proposed repeal would eliminate regulatory restrictions that limit access to critical energy resources such as coal and natural gas. These energy sources are crucial for maintaining baseload power, especially as the US looks to boost its AI infrastructure and secure national energy needs for the future.
The EPA plans to repeal rules limiting greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel plants, aiming to ease burdens on power generation while maintaining energy reliability. Citing the West Virginia v. EPA ruling, the agency argues such emissions don’t significantly impact air pollution under the Clean Air Act. The repeal could save the power sector $19 billion over 20 years, starting in 2026.
Repeal of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards Amendments
The EPA plans to repeal the 2024 MATS amendments, citing high costs and existing emissions progress. The rollback could save $1.2 billion over 10 years, easing power plant operations while supporting energy security, job growth, and innovation in sectors like manufacturing and AI.
Government Support and Next Steps
Key policymakers, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Dave McCormick, support the proposed changes, backed by local representatives and unions citing economic benefits. However, climate activists and some environmental groups warn of increased carbon emissions and a shift away from renewables.
