The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rolled back significant regulations on coal-fired power plants that were implemented during the Biden-Harris administration. This move, championed by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, aims to reduce what proponents describe as burdensome costs and to bolster American energy independence and national security. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups, who argue it will lead to increased pollution and pose risks to public health, particularly for communities near these plants. The EPA asserts that the repeal will lower energy costs for families and revitalize the coal industry.
Context of the Regulatory Shift
The EPA's recent actions involve the repeal of stringent rules that targeted emissions from coal, oil, and gas-fired power plants. These regulations, established under the previous administration, imposed significant compliance costs and were intended to address air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Timeline: The proposals to repeal these regulations were announced in June 2025, with the final repeal of some restrictions occurring shortly thereafter.
Key Actors:
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin: A central figure in the rollback, Zeldin advocates for policies aimed at "American energy dominance" and reducing regulatory burdens.
Biden-Harris Administration: Implemented the original, stricter regulations on power plant emissions.
Proponents: Industry groups, some lawmakers, and organizations like "Power the Future" support the repeal, citing economic benefits and energy reliability.
Opponents: Environmental organizations and public health advocates express concerns about increased pollution and health impacts.
Nature of Regulations Reversed: The repealed rules included emission guidelines for existing power plants and requirements for new combustion turbines and modified coal plants, often related to carbon capture and storage. Additionally, limits on toxic emissions like mercury and particulate matter from coal plants are being eased.
Evidence of the EPA's Action
The EPA itself has announced and provided statements regarding the repeal of these regulations, emphasizing the intended benefits.
Official Statements: The EPA has published press releases and fact sheets detailing the proposed and finalized repeals.
The EPA is proposing to repeal the most burdensome set of requirements issued for new and existing fossil fuel-fired steam generating units. (Source: US EPA, Article 4 & 5)
The move is described as a step towards "restoring American Energy Dominance" and ensuring "affordable, dependable energy for American families." (Source: US EPA, Article 2, 4, 5, 13, 15)
Advocacy Groups' Claims: Organizations supporting the repeal, such as "Power the Future," claim the previous regulations harmed the coal industry and rural communities.
Daniel Turner of Power the Future stated that the "war on coal" weakened the U.S. grid, drove up electricity prices, and caused economic ruin in rural America. (Source: Fox News, Article 1)
Criticism from Environmental Advocates: Environmental groups have voiced strong opposition, highlighting potential negative consequences.
Environmental groups contend that the tightened rules previously saved lives and improved health in communities near coal-fired power plants. (Source: Courier-Journal, Article 6; TIME, Article 8; The Independent, Article 9; Planet Detroit, Article 14)
The rollback is expected to allow coal-fired power plants to release more heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, into the air. (Source: TIME, Article 8; The Independent, Article 9)
Reversal of Emission Standards
A significant aspect of the EPA's action is the modification of rules concerning toxic emissions from coal plants.
Mercury and Particulate Matter: The EPA is easing limits on mercury, particulate matter, and other harmful air pollutants from coal-fired power plants.
The EPA announced it would loosen restrictions on coal-burning power plants, allowing them to release more heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, into the air. (Source: TIME, Article 8)
This move effectively wipes out health protections previously established to shield children from toxins like mercury. (Source: TIME, Article 8)
Environmental Group Concerns: Environmental advocates argue that these pollutants pose significant health risks.
Toxic emissions from coal- and oil-fired plants can harm the brain development of young children and contribute to heart attacks and other problems in adults. (Source: The Independent, Article 9)
Coal-fired power plants are identified as the largest single human source of mercury pollutants. (Source: The Independent, Article 9; Planet Detroit, Article 14)
Economic and Energy Independence Arguments
Proponents of the EPA's decision argue that the regulations imposed significant economic burdens and that their removal will restore American energy dominance.
Cost Savings: The repeal is projected to save billions of dollars annually.
The repeal of these regulations is expected to save Americans more than $1 billion a year. (Source: US EPA, Article 3, 4, 5)
This action is seen as removing a "significant regulatory burden" on energy producers, allowing them to provide affordable, reliable power. (Source: Mackinac, Article 10)
Revitalizing the Coal Industry: Supporters believe the move will help the struggling coal industry and create jobs in coal-producing regions.
Advocates claim the repeal will "restore American dominance" in coal and fuel economies in depressed industrial communities. (Source: Fox News, Article 1; US EPA, Article 15)
Representative Carol Miller (R-WV) stated that the country needs the "dependable baseload power that coal provides." (Source: Newsweek, Article 12)
Grid Reliability and National Security: Some argue that the previous regulations threatened the reliability of the U.S. electric grid and national security.
The Biden Administration’s "war on coal" is blamed for driving up costs and threatening grid reliability. (Source: US EPA, Article 2)
President Trump has asserted that environmental advocate overreach "jeopardizes America’s energy reliability, economic vitality, and national security." (Source: White House, Article 11)
Counterarguments and Public Health Concerns
Opponents of the EPA's decision raise serious concerns about the impact on public health and the environment.
Health Risks: Environmental groups highlight the adverse health effects associated with increased emissions of mercury and other toxins.
The reversal of these rules is framed as potentially jeopardizing public health, especially in states heavily reliant on coal. (Source: Courier-Journal, Article 6)
The move is criticized for potentially harming children's development due to increased exposure to mercury. (Source: TIME, Article 8)
Climate Change Contribution: Coal-fired power plants are a major source of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
The plants are also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. (Source: The Independent, Article 9)
The EPA is also proposing that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution. (Source: US EPA, Article 4 & 5)
Effectiveness of Previous Rules: Environmental groups argue that the regulations they defended were effective in protecting health.
Environmental groups stated that the tightened rules previously saved lives and made communities near coal-fired power plants healthier. (Source: The Independent, Article 9; Planet Detroit, Article 14)
Expert Analysis and Commentary
The EPA's decision has been met with a range of reactions from various stakeholders, reflecting divergent views on energy policy, economic development, and environmental protection.
"The Biden Administration’s war on coal drove up costs and threatened grid reliability. Coal is an essential source of baseload power needed to power both the American economy and American homes."- US EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin (Source: US EPA, Article 2)
"The amendments strengthened limits on mercury and other hazardous air pollutant emissions from coal-burning power plants and required them to continuously monitor emissions. With this move, the Trump administration is wiping out health protections critical for protecting children from toxins like mercury just to save the coal industry some money."- Statement from unnamed source (likely environmental advocate quoted by TIME) (Source: TIME, Article 8)
"Since the war on coal, we have weakened our grid, driven electricity prices through the roof, outsourced major industries to Mexico and China, but most of all driven tens of thousands of Americans into ruin because of a globalist agenda."- Daniel Turner, Power the Future (Source: Fox News, Article 1)
"Environmental groups said the tightened rules have saved lives and made communities that live near coal-fired power plants healthier."- Reporting by Planet Detroit (Source: Planet Detroit, Article 14)
Conclusion and Implications
The EPA's decision to repeal certain Biden-era regulations on coal-fired power plants represents a significant shift in U.S. energy policy.
Economic Focus: The move prioritizes reducing regulatory burdens and costs on the energy sector, with a stated aim of fostering economic growth and achieving energy independence. Proponents anticipate significant cost savings for consumers and a revitalization of the coal industry.
Environmental and Health Concerns: Critics express deep concern that the rollback will lead to increased air pollution, particularly from toxic heavy metals like mercury, posing substantial risks to public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children. The contribution to climate change from increased fossil fuel emissions is also a major point of contention.
Potential Legal Challenges: Given the strong opposition from environmental groups, it is probable that these regulatory changes will face legal challenges. Similar actions in the past have led to protracted court battles.
Future Direction: The EPA, under Administrator Zeldin and the broader Trump administration agenda, appears committed to deregulating the fossil fuel sector, particularly coal, which is framed as crucial for American energy dominance. This contrasts sharply with the environmental priorities of the previous administration, indicating a bifurcated approach to energy and environmental policy. The long-term consequences for the environment, public health, and the energy sector remain subjects of intense debate and scrutiny.
Sources Used:
Fox News: Turner alluded to those conditions in comments to Fox News Digital, saying people must "never forget or forgive the drivers of the war on coal for their cruel attacks on a vital industry found only in rural America." "[Anti-coal politicians] fly private jets to attend global climate summits while they orchestrated an evil attack on the coal miner making America weaker and China richer." Turner quipped that any "anti-coal activist" is invited to join him in visiting coal-producing communities but may be unhappy to get dirt on their clothing and find lodging not up to "Four Seasons" standards. "Since the war on coal, we have weakened our grid, driven electricity prices through the roof, outsourced major industries to Mexico and China, but most of all driven tens of thousands of Americans into ruin because of a globalist agenda," Turner said Friday, adding that the costs of a crippled coal industry went far beyond shuttered infrastructure: "The cruel Obama-led war on coal ruined numerous towns across rural America, drove families into poverty, caused alcoholism, opioid addiction, domestic violence, and suicide to skyrocket." "Power The Future started because of coal miners, the acceptable casualties in the globalist climate change agenda," said Turner, whose group is based in coal-heavy Virginia. Lee Zeldin backs Trump's push for US energy dominance: 'Wind isn't the answer' Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin joins 'Fox News Live' to discuss offshore wind projects, natural gas pipelines and the debate over the agency's authority in shaping U.S. energy policy. EPA CHIEF WRAPS NATIONAL TOUR AS CRITICS SLAM DEREGULATION AGENDA "Restoring America’s coal dominance is good for our national security and economy, and it restores the dignity of small-town coal workers whose labor is vital to America’s survival." Many of America’s poorest counties are in what were once very wealthy coal communities — including McDowell and Mingo counties in West Virginia and Bell, Letcher, McCreary, and Breathitt counties in Kentucky, where Vice President JD Vance’s family is from. If implemented, these actions would have destroyed reliable American energy," Zeldin said at the Mills Creek Power Plant in Kentucky, adding that protecting the environment and supporting industry and baseload power is not a "binary choice." In response, Power the Future founder Daniel Turner told Fox News Digital the move is a significant step toward revitalizing the American coal industry and, in turn, fueling economies in economically depressed industrial communities throughout Appalachia and beyond.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/epa-scraps-biden-coal-restrictions-advocates-say-move-restore-american-dominance
US EPA: If implemented, these actions would have destroyed reliable American energy,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. As part of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, Administrator Zeldin pledged to restore American Energy Dominance. The Biden Administration’s war on coal drove up costs and threatened grid reliability. Coal is an essential source of baseload power needed to power both the American economy and American homes. The rule imposed massive costs and red tape on coal-and oil-fired power plants, driving up the cost of living for American families, jeopardizing our grid reliability and national security, and limiting American energy and manufacturing dominance.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-continues-reverse-democrats-war-beautiful-clean-coal-finalizes-repeal-costly
US EPA: EPA — that EPA couldn’t reconfigure America’s energy system on its own. These rules were never about clean energy — they were about shutting down American power. The Biden Administration spent four years waging war on Wyoming energy and trying to undermine our reliable baseload energy sources. Those electric furnaces require a robust, reliable power grid. The Biden Administration’s regulations of coal- and natural-gas-fired power plants were perhaps the worst example of its full-scale assault on energy.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/what-they-are-saying-leaders-praise-epas-proposed-repeal-biden-harris-epa-regulations
US EPA: These Biden-era regulations have imposed massive costs on coal-, oil-, and gas-fired power plants, raising the cost of living for American families, imperiling the reliability of our electric grid, and limiting American energy prosperity. In addition, EPA is proposing that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution within the meaning of the statute. As part of this alternative proposal, EPA is taking comment on the efficiency-based requirements for new natural gas power plant requirements. EPA Proposes Repeal of Biden-Harris EPA Regulations for Power Plants, Which, If Finalized, Would Save Americans More than a Billion Dollars a Year Breaking down barriers to affordable, dependable energy for American families WASHINGTON – Today, alongside U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), House Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY-02), U.S. Representatives Troy Balderson (R-OH-12), Carol Miller (R-WV-01), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), and Michael Rulli (R-OH-06), and Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced two proposals in an important step towards ensuring affordable, dependable energy for American families and restore American energy dominance. As an alternative, EPA is proposing to repeal the most burdensome set of requirements issued for new and existing fossil fuel-fired steam generating units—specifically, the emission guidelines for existing power plants, and carbon capture and sequestration/storage-based requirements for new combustion turbines and modified coal plants.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-repeal-biden-harris-epa-regulations-power-plants-which-if-finalized-would
secureenergyfuture.org: In addition, EPA is proposing that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution within the meaning of the statute. These Biden-era regulations have imposed massive costs on coal-, oil-, and gas-fired power plants, raising the cost of living for American families, imperiling the reliability of our electric grid, and limiting American energy prosperity. As part of this alternative proposal, EPA is taking comment on the efficiency-based requirements for new natural gas power plant requirements. EPA Proposes Repeal of Biden-Harris EPA Regulations for Power Plants secureenergyfuture Breaking down barriers to affordable, dependable energy for American families Contact Information EPA Press Office ([email protected]) WASHINGTON – Today, alongside U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), House Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY-02), U.S. Representatives Troy Balderson (R-OH-12), Carol Miller (R-WV-01), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-08), and Michael Rulli (R-OH-06), and Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced two proposals in an important step towards ensuring affordable, dependable energy for American families and restore American energy dominance. As an alternative, EPA is proposing to repeal the most burdensome set of requirements issued for new and existing fossil fuel-fired steam generating units—specifically, the emission guidelines for existing power plants, and carbon capture and sequestration/storage-based requirements for new combustion turbines and modified coal plants.
https://www.secureenergyfuture.org/post/epa-proposes-repeal-of-biden-harris-epa-regulations-for-power-plants
Courier-Journal: From Louisville, EPA eases limits on toxic emissions from coal plants On a Feb. The risks of the rollback on public health are especially pronounced in a state like Kentucky, which still relies heavily on coal-fired power plants. 20 stop in Louisville, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would loosen regulations on mercury, particulate matter and other harmful air pollution from coal-fired power plants ― furthering President Donald Trump's sweeping push to bolster the economics of aging plants across the country. LG&E previously ceased coal generation at its other Louisville power plant, Cane Run, and built a new gas unit. The utility has no plans to construct new coal-fired units.
https://eu.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/science/environment/2026/02/20/epa-louisville-visit-reverses-biden-coal-plant-pollution-rules/88756462007/
US EPA: President Trump promised to unleash American energy, and this action delivers. This action represents a key win for affordability, job creation and consumer choice, and I congratulate President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for their continued success in producing visible results for the American people.” Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY): “I’m thrilled President Trump & EPA Administrator Zeldin are rescinding the imbecilic Obama-era rule used to expand federal overreach. Thank you, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin, for continuing to work to eliminate the Green New Scam. We thank President Trump and EPA Administration Zeldin for their strong leadership in restoring common sense to our nation's environmental policies.” American Petroleum Institute SVP of Policy, Economics and Regulatory Affairs Dustin Meyer: “Today’s action appropriately ends the previous administration’s EV mandates, which effectively banned new gas-powered vehicles and represented a clear case of regulatory overreach at the expense of American consumers. At its core, the Endangerment Finding defies basic science and common sense.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/what-they-are-saying-leaders-and-americans-across-country-applaud-single-largest-act
TIME: The amendments strengthened limits on mercury and other hazardous air pollutant emissions from coal-burning power plants and required them to continuously monitor emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it would loosen restrictions on coal-burning power plants, allowing them to release more heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, into the air. Coal-fired power plants are also the largest source of airborne mercury emissions in the United States, the EPA has previously said. After the Obama Administration first set the standard, the Supreme Court struck it down, saying that the EPA did not properly consider the costs of emissions reductions to the power plants. With this move, the Trump administration is wiping out health protections critical for protecting children from toxins like mercury just to save the coal industry some money.” Hubbell says that, like most of Trump’s recent environmental rollbacks, the move is likely to face legal challenges.
https://www.time.com/7380172/trump-mercury-coal-plant-pollution/
The Independent: Trump administration eases limits on coal plants for emitting mercury, other toxins The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday weakened limits on mercury and other toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants Toxic emissions from coal- and oil-fired plants can harm the brain development of young children and contribute to heart attacks and other problems in adults. The plants are also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. Environmental groups said the tightened rules have saved lives and made communities that live near coal-fired power plants healthier. Beyond fewer environmental protections, the Trump administration has issued emergency orders halting the planned shutdown of several coal plants. The Trump administration has also extended deadlines for dozens of coal-fired power plants to comply with certain Clean Air Act rules.
https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/donald-trump-environmental-protection-agency-barack-obama-washington-biden-b2924629.html
Mackinac: Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced on Wednesday his agency’s proposal to repeal burdensome and costly power plant regulations implemented during the Biden-Harris administration. Rescinding these burdensome and unnecessary strictures on electricity generators frees American energy producers to innovate and deliver affordable, reliable power while still protecting the environment. They’re retiring far too quickly for reliability.” Christie then spoke directly to the Biden EPA’s Carbon Rule. This action will remove a significant regulatory burden from the backs of American energy producers. Get insightful commentary and the most reliable research on Michigan issues sent straight to your inbox.
https://www.mackinac.org/blog/2025/epa-moves-to-repeal-bidens-costly-power-plant-rules
White House: Trump Lifts Burdensome EPA Restrictions on Coal Plants SUPPORTING OUR NATION’S COAL INDUSTRY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation granting two-years of relief from a stringent Biden-era environmental rule to certain coal-fired power plants, safeguarding the Nation’s energy grid and security, and saving coal plants from closure. ADDRESSING THE THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY AND ENERGY STABILITY: President Trump recognizes that environmental advocate overreach jeopardizes America’s energy reliability, economic vitality, and national security. BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS WITH AMERICAN PROSPERITY: President Trump has consistently prioritized a pragmatic approach, ensuring environmental policies support rather than undermine America’s economic strength and national security. He has championed an energy dominance strategy, boosting domestic oil and gas production to reduce reliance on foreign energy while maintaining practical environmental oversight.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/04/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-lifts-burdensome-epa-restrictions-on-coal-plants/
Newsweek: West Virginia Representative Carol Miller, a co-chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus, said the country needs the dependable baseload power that coal provides. More recently, renewable energy has become the go-to source for new power. The EPA is proposing to repeal two Biden-era rules that would make new and existing power plants cut pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Wednesday that it will seek to scrap two rules on power plant pollution as part of the Trump administration's effort to encourage more use of fossil fuels such as coal, a major source of greenhouse gases and toxic emissions that contribute to disease and premature deaths. Coal mining employment has also sharply declined over the decades.
https://www.newsweek.com/trumps-epa-scraps-air-protections-effort-revive-coal-power-2084240
US EPA: President Trump’s EPA is taking 31 actions to unleash American energy independence, lower costs and strengthen our economy. Thank you, Administrator Zeldin, for initiating these actions to rollback regulations, lower costs for American families, increase our energy dominance and UNLEASH American energy! We applaud the EPA for following through on President Trump’s promise to lower the cost of living for American families. Administrator Zeldin’s bold actions today demonstrate that EPA will be returning to their core mission of common-sense regulations that protect our air, our water, and our economy. We thank EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and President Trump for recognizing the need to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and the cost of living for consumers.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/what-they-are-saying-leaders-applaud-epas-historic-deregulatory-actions-power-great
Planet Detroit: - Environmental groups said the tightened rules have saved lives and made communities that live near coal-fired power plants healthier. - Coal-fired power plants are the largest single human source of mercury pollutants. Environmental groups said the tightened rules have saved lives and made communities that live near coal-fired power plants healthier. - The EPA announced the move at a massive coal plant next to the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky. The Trump administration has also extended deadlines for dozens of coal-fired power plants to comply with certain Clean Air Act rules.
https://planetdetroit.org/2026/02/mercury-standards-epa-rollback/
US EPA: ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in Fox News: This is how America will Achieve Energy Dominance WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin published a joint op-ed with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright highlighting how the Trump Administration can unleash energy dominance, specifically beautiful, clean coal in America. We’re not just talking about energy dominance, we’re delivering it. Today, we continue building on these efforts with two major regulatory reforms to unleash American energy dominance through beautiful, clean coal. The era of American energy dominance is here, and coal will play a critical role in securing America’s position as the energy superpower of the world. We're bringing back beautiful, clean coal because it works.
https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/icymi-administrator-zeldin-fox-news-how-america-will-achieve-energy-dominance
