Duke Energy pushes to weaken pollution rules on coal and greenhouse gases

Duke Energy and other utilities have asked the Trump administration to roll back Biden-era regulations on coal ash disposal and greenhouse gas emissions, arguing they are costly and unworkable.

Emily L. Mahoney reports for Tampa Bay Times.

In short:

• The Biden administration’s rules require coal plants to cut emissions or close by 2032 and mandate that new natural gas plants reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90%. Utilities say the rules force them to adopt expensive, untested carbon capture technology.
• The second regulation expands coal ash disposal rules to more power plants, aiming to curb contamination from toxic chemicals like arsenic. Utilities claim this exceeds regulatory authority and increases costs.
• Environmental advocates argue these rules are needed to protect public health and the environment.

Key quote:

“The public record reveals that nearly all coal plants have contaminated groundwater with dangerous toxic chemicals above federal standards. Any new regulation proposed by the Trump administration will have to address this alarming situation.”

— Lisa Evans, senior counsel at Earthjustice

Why this matters:

Scientists warn that continued reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, is incompatible with efforts to curb global warming. Despite these risks, some utilities continue to resist stricter environmental regulations. Industry groups argue that tougher rules on coal ash disposal and carbon emissions would be costly and could disrupt power supplies. But delays in adopting cleaner energy sources leave communities vulnerable — not only to the long-term consequences of climate change but also to immediate health risks from toxic waste and polluted air.

Related: North Carolina town takes utility giant to court over climate inaction