Trump Grants Over 100 Polluters Two-Year Exemptions from Biden-Era Pollution Rules

President Trump has exempted over 100 chemical manufacturers, oil refineries, coal plants, and other polluting facilities from Biden-era Clean Air Act pollution limits, citing national security and economic reasons. The exemptions, which last two years, allow these industries to comply with pre-Biden EPA standards, avoiding costly and potentially unattainable requirements aimed at reducing toxic emissions linked to cancer and other health risks. Among the exempted are taconite iron ore plants in Minnesota and Michigan, coal-fired power plants in Ohio, Illinois, and Colorado, and chemical manufacturers including Dow Inc. and BASF SE. The Trump administration argues these sectors are critical for national security, economic stability, and manufacturing supply chains, warning that compliance costs could lead to shutdowns and energy shortages. Environmental and health advocates criticize the move, stating it will increase pollution-related illnesses such as cancer, birth defects, and asthma, contradicting the administration's stated goal to "Make America Healthy Again." The exemptions follow EPA guidance allowing companies to request waivers from regulations for up to two years to ensure uninterrupted operations in vital industries.