The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has proposed repealing climate regulations that limit greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants.
The agency also plans to scale back rules on mercury and other toxic pollutants, arguing the changes will reduce costs for industry and promote US energy production.
These rollbacks aim to fulfill former President Trump’s promise to “unleash American energy” and mark a reversal of climate policies implemented during the Biden administration. If finalized, they could undermine efforts to address pollution in communities heavily impacted by industrial emissions.
Environmental advocates warn that repealing these protections would increase smog, mercury, and particulate pollution—harmful to both public health and the climate. The EPA’s own prior estimates suggest the current rules could save up to 30,000 lives and $275 billion annually.
Zeldin says the proposals are part of a broader push to end what he calls the “war” on domestic energy and to lower the cost of living.
Critics, however, argue the changes violate clean air laws and threaten public health. Legal challenges are expected if the rules move forward.
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Barclay Rogers, CEO of carbon removal company Graphyte, stated: “The American economy thrives on innovation, and as demand for electricity grows due to AI, data centers, and reshoring of US manufacturing, that innovation must focus on expanding supply without increasing CO2 emissions.”
“If we’re going to pull back rules on emissions from power plants, we need to accelerate efforts to remove CO2 from the atmosphere with immediately scalable carbon removal solutions that support economic growth and reduce the rising costs of climate-related events.”
The EPA now claims that emissions from fossil-fueled plants don’t significantly contribute to dangerous pollution under the Clean Air Act — a position that could weaken regulation across other industrial sectors.
While the rule changes must undergo a lengthy review and public comment process, even partial repeals could have lasting environmental consequences.
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