EPA Proposes Repealing 2023 Power Plant Emissions Rules

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed repealing key emissions regulations established under the Biden administration that targeted greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants, including coal and natural gas facilities. These 2023 rules required plants to install carbon capture technology or face shutdown by 2032, but the EPA now cites concerns over legal risks and grid reliability as reasons for revisiting and potentially rolling back these standards. Alongside greenhouse gas rules, the EPA also aims to weaken mercury and toxic pollutant emission limits, which have been linked to adverse health effects, fulfilling President Donald Trump's agenda to reduce costs for industry and "unleash American energy." The proposed changes mark a continuation of efforts to ease regulations on the fossil fuel sector and reverse previous climate-focused policies, including Obama-era mercury limits and the Clean Power Plan. The EPA is currently accepting public comments on the proposals before finalizing any changes. These actions come amid ongoing debates over balancing environmental protections with energy affordability and grid stability.