Smoke billows from the cooling towers of a power plant.

Coal plants and chemical facilities secured air rule exemptions through Trump-era email system

Power companies and chemical manufacturers have used a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency process under President Trump to quickly win exemptions from air pollution rules meant to limit mercury and cancer-causing emissions.

Maxine Joselow reports for The New York Times.

In short:

At least 15 coal plants and several chemical and steel facilities were granted exemptions from federal air pollution rules after emailing requests to the EPA.
The exemptions delay compliance with limits on mercury and ethylene oxide, both linked to serious health risks, including neurological harm in children and cancer.
Environmental groups have sued, arguing the administration failed to justify the exemptions on national security grounds as required by the Clean Air Act.

Key quote:

“Communities have a right to know if coal plants, chemical plants or steel plants are actively trying to get around regulations that are designed to protect those communities.”

— Patrick Drupp, Sierra Club director of climate policy

Why this matters:

Mercury and ethylene oxide are among the most hazardous pollutants regulated under U.S. law. Mercury accumulates in fish and enters human diets, where it can impair brain development in infants and young children. Ethylene oxide, a colorless gas used in sterilizing medical equipment and making plastics, is classified as a human carcinogen and has been tied to elevated cancer rates in communities near manufacturing plants. Delaying controls on these emissions extends exposure for millions of people, particularly those living near coal plants and chemical facilities, which are often in low-income or rural areas. The exemptions also mark a sharp shift in how environmental laws are enforced, with implications for both public health and industrial regulation nationwide.

www.nytimes.com

Coal plants and chemical facilities secured air rule exemptions through Trump-era email system

Trump administration proposal to revoke key climate finding draws criticism from scientists

Climate contrarians play role in EPA move to revoke finding that climate change endangers human health

Pentagon will continue providing hurricane satellite data after reversal

Wetland treaty talks falter as U.S. and Russia exit global conservation efforts

Trump moves to limit environmental reviews for AI data center projects

AI data center planned in Wyoming will consume more electricity than all the state’s homes combined

Texas and Minnesota issue air pollution warnings, urging drivers to avoid idling and drive-thrus

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.