Trump Targets Coal Plant Toxin Rules To Boost Power Supply

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Trump plans to ease limits on mercury and hazardous air pollutants from coal-fired power plants to lower compliance costs and support electricity supply amid rising energy demand linked to AI infrastructure growth [1][5]. Policy Shift and Legal Background - The proposal aims to revert to earlier pollution rules from the Obama administration, claiming that the previous framework provided sufficient health protection despite opposition from environmental organizations [3]. - The updated 2024 standards were upheld after the Supreme Court declined a legal challenge, indicating a legal backing for the current regulatory environment [3]. Economic Arguments and Industry Response - The EPA estimates that reverting to older limits could save utilities tens of millions of dollars annually over the next decade, which is supported by mining industry representatives citing the need for reliable baseload generation due to increasing power demand [5]. - Analysts have noted rising maintenance costs at aging coal facilities, which may further justify the rollback of regulations [5]. Broader Climate Policy Fallout - Critics argue that this rollback is part of a larger trend of regulatory changes aimed at reducing oversight of greenhouse gases, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety [7]. - Environmental organizations have expressed that weakening limits on mercury and toxic metals could lead to increased long-term healthcare costs [3].