EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin argued that the proposal covers both existing and new plants and that they do not create “significantly hazardous air pollution” under the Clean Air Act. Zeldin also announced that the agency plans to revise a Biden-era regulation on mercury emissions that goes into effect in 2023.
The proposed revocations stand out as one of the Trump administration's steps to roll back Biden-era climate and clean energy policies. If enacted, the changes could have serious impacts on public health, energy prices and climate policies.
“President Trump is the biggest advocate for clean, beautiful coal,” Zeldin stated, emphasizing that coal will continue to play a key role in power generation, mining operations and exports. However, the EPA noted that it is not currently preparing any new regulations on carbon emissions.
Power plants in the US account for about a quarter of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions and contribute 3% to global climate pollution. For this reason, the EPA's proposal is seen by environmental organizations and experts as a serious setback for the climate fight.
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