Mercury emissions crackdown delayed for dozens of coal plants

The Trump administration has granted over 60 fossil fuel power plants a two-year delay in complying with stricter federal mercury emissions rules, reversing a key piece of environmental policy set to take effect in 2027.

Dan Gearino reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave 64 gigawatts of coal-fired capacity — roughly one-third of U.S. coal power — an exemption from tighter mercury and air toxics standards originally scheduled for 2027.
Critics argue the exemptions, issued by executive order, violate the Clean Air Act and expose nearby communities to increased levels of toxic air pollution, including mercury, a potent neurotoxin.
The decision aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to revive coal power and scale back environmental regulations, despite legal challenges and opposition from public health and environmental advocates.

Key quote:

“The Trump administration has created an illegal special exemption by which polluters can go to the president and request a ‘get out of jail free’ card when it comes to the Clean Air Act.”

— Howard Learner, CEO and executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center

Why this matters:

Power plants are one of the largest sources of mercury emissions in the U.S., and curbing those emissions has long been a cornerstone of federal air quality standards. Delaying the enforcement of stricter mercury rules means continued exposure for communities, particularly those near aging coal plants, many of which are located in low-income and rural areas already facing disproportionate pollution burdens. Although utilities argue the delay offers operational flexibility and grid reliability, the public health trade-off may be steep. Mercury doesn’t just stay local—it spreads across states and regions, making it a national concern. The exemptions may also weaken momentum for transitioning to cleaner energy sources, reinforcing a dependency on outdated infrastructure with known health consequences.

insideclimatenews.org

Mercury emissions crackdown delayed for dozens of coal plants

Philippines climate protests spotlight whether money is reaching the most vulnerable

Newsom presents California as reliable partner at U.N. climate talks

France's Fontainebleau forest serves as ‘laboratory' for climate change adaptation

China’s emissions level off as renewables surge, signaling possible peak

LA’s clean air future is being built by Black women

‘It will never be forgiven’: UN climate chief warns world to act or face disaster

As U.S. and E.U. retreat on climate, China takes the leadership role

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.