EPA Draft Proposals Would Repeal Modern Limits on Mercury and Air Toxics for Coal Plants, Carbon Pollution Standards

“Today, the Trump administration posted two EPA proposals under final White House review that would repeal protections against air pollution. One is the Mercury and Air Toxics Update Rule which limits pollution from coal-burning power plants that causes brain damage in babies, cancer and heart and lung diseases. The second is the “carbon pollution standards,” which may refer to limits on power plant pollution that causes climate change and the resulting severe heat waves, storms, fires and floods – although unlike other formal proposals, this one does not list the full name or describe the scope of the standard it is referring to.  

“Power plants are one of the largest industrial sources of mercury, arsenic, chromium and climate pollution. Clean affordable solutions are available to address this harmful pollution – and those solutions create high quality jobs in the U.S.  

“The lack of transparency about the scope of the proposal to repeal carbon pollution standards  means the Trump administration’s action could impact other industrial sources of carbon pollution or could implicate the foundational determination that climate pollution endangers the health of the American people (In contrast, the Biden administration listed much more information about the carbon pollution standards for power plants when they were announced, as is common for government regulatory actions).  

“This also appears to be the first time EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has used the term “repeal” in unraveling vital safeguards. On March 12^th, Administrator Zeldin announced a damaging initiative to weaken dozens of protections for clean air and clean water that provide safeguards for millions of people, and his press statement repeatedly stated he was pursuing “reconsideration.” It seems the agency has now made up its mind to completely erase at least some of these pollution limits before providing meaningful opportunity for public input. 

“Environmental Defense Fund will vigorously protect pollution limits that ensure cleaner air and healthier lives – as U.S. clean air laws have long guaranteed for all people.” 

- Vickie Patton, General Counsel, Environmental Defense Fund