Trump EPA Reportedly Plans to Unveil Damaging Proposals to Repeal Limits on Air Toxics and Climate Pollution from Power Plant Smokestacks

(Washington, D.C. – June 10, 2025) According to news reports, the Trump EPA will announce two proposals tomorrow to repeal vital clean air protections that benefit millions of people through limits on mercury, arsenic and climate-destabilizing pollution from fossil fuel power plants. 

These protections, required under U.S. clean air laws, are among the most important actions that can be taken to protect the American people from pollution emitted by one of the largest sources in the U.S. One proposal would reportedly repeal the modernization of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which reduces mercury, arsenic and other toxic air pollution emitted by coal-fired power plants. That pollution is associated with brain damage in children, cancer and heart and lung diseases. The other proposal would eliminate the Carbon Pollution Standards – effectively removing all national limits on climate pollution from power plants.

“As reported, these proposals would allow fossil fuel power plants to pour more pollution into our air – putting the health, safety and well-being of all Americans at risk,” said Vickie Patton, General Counsel of Environmental Defense Fund. “They would lead to more illnesses, which in turn would mean more days missing school and work, more visits to doctors and hospitalizations, and increased medical costs.”

“Power plants are among the largest sources of dangerous pollution in the nation. We have modern technologies that allow these plants to reduce pollution with available and cost-effective solutions,” said Patton. “The clean air standards that the Trump EPA will reportedly propose to repeal are protecting people across America today and will safeguard future generations. EDF will vigorously oppose any effort to weaken our national limits on dangerous pollution from power plant smokestacks.”