EPA Shakes Up Power Plant Rules, Deregulates Emissions
The top headline this week from the Environmental Protection Agency is its fast-moving push to reset rules for greenhouse gas and mercury emissions from power plants, a move that could reshape U.S. energy and climate policy for years. The EPA announced it is proposing to repeal the power plant rules adopted just last year, asserting that this rollback will ensure more affordable and reliable energy supplies and lower costs across transportation, utilities, and manufacturing. EPA is actively requesting public comment on these proposed changes through August 7, and will host a virtual public hearing on July 8. This rulemaking is expected to save industry billions in compliance costs over the next twenty years, though environmental groups have promised to challenge the repeal in court.EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called this the “biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history,” promising thirty-one regulatory reforms aimed at advancing President Trump’s economic agenda. Among the rules under review are greenhouse gas emission limits on power plants, methane standards for oil and gas, and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. Zeldin argues these moves will reduce regulatory burdens, promote domestic energy, and shift more decision-making to the states. For everyday Americans, EPA projects these reforms will lower the cost of living, making it more affordable to purchase vehicles, heat homes, and operate businesses.For businesses, particularly in the energy, manufacturing, and chemical sectors, the regulatory reset means less red tape and potentially lower costs, but also uncertainty for operators who have already spent heavily to comply with previous standards. States may have more flexibility, but also face greater responsibility in setting and enforcing environmental rules themselves. In international terms, this deregulatory wave places the U.S. at odds with some global climate commitments, raising questions about future diplomatic alignment on environment and trade.In other developments, EPA and New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation will launch a new vehicle-based radiological survey in Erie and Niagara counties starting July 7. The survey truck will slowly canvas up to 240 miles daily, scanning for radiation sources with state-of-the-art sensors. Officials emphasize that previous surveys detected no immediate threats, but this data will guide any future sampling and keep the public informed about local safety.EPA is also opening a public docket and hosting two listening sessions to gather input on challenges with Clean Water Act Section 401, which gives states and tribes a key role in certifying federal permits that affect water quality. Senior Advisor for Water Jessica Kramer says, “It is our responsibility to guarantee Clean Water Act Section 401 is only being used for its statutory purpose – to ensure permitted projects protect water quality while delivering real prosperity for all Americans.” Once the notice is published in the Federal Register, the public will have 30 days to weigh in.If you want your voice heard on the proposed power plant rule repeal or Clean Water Act implementation, check the EPA’s website for details on submitting comments or registering for the virtual hearings. For more information on the radiological survey, local residents in Erie and Niagara counties are encouraged to stay tuned for updates from EPA and state agencies.Thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly updates on the EPA and other regulatory news that matters. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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