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 The exemptions may also weaken momentum for transitioning to cleaner energy sources, reinforcing a dependency on outdated infrastructure with known health consequences.
Read more: New Trump-era EPA move could let polluters dodge toxic air rules
