EPA Proposes Repeal of Biden-Era Power Plant Climate Rules

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has proposed repealing two Biden-era regulations: the Clean Power Plan 2.0, which aimed to reduce carbon emissions from power plants, and the Mercury & Air Toxics Standards. These rules, if finalized, would have required coal and natural gas plants to install costly carbon capture technology, potentially driving up electricity prices and threatening grid reliability by discouraging baseload fossil fuel power. Zeldin and supporters argue that repealing these rules will protect the coal industry, support a reliable and affordable energy supply, and align with President Trump's energy dominance agenda. Critics warn that the EPA's legal rationale for the repeal faces significant challenges, as the Clean Air Act mandates regulation of power plants that contribute significantly to pollution. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also endorsed the rollback, stating it would remove barriers to electricity generation essential for national energy security and economic competitiveness. The repeal proposals will undergo public comment before any final decisions are made.