The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has repealed most carbon emission standards for coal and gas-fired power plants, estimating that the changes will save $310bn.
Announced by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, Texas, the repeal targets greenhouse gas (GHG) requirements introduced under Joe Biden’s administration.
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The EPA stated that the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards required technologies it views as not adequately demonstrated, alleging that these regulations forced power plants to close rather than using achievable controls.
The agency argued that the rules went beyond its authority under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and did not account for the Supreme Court’s West Virginia v. EPA decision, which restricted the EPA from enacting measures that significantly reshape the power sector.
Alongside the repeal, the EPA has proposed rescinding all remaining GHG standards for the power sector.
If adopted, the agency estimates the proposal will save a further $370m in direct compliance costs.
Zeldin said: “For over 15 years, the Obama and Biden administrations implemented a war on coal to destroy reliable and affordable energy. The Trump Administration has come in to protect American energy and to make sure you can afford to keep the lights on.
“Americans will see a decrease in electricity prices, but this is just the beginning. We are working to go even further so that American energy can be fully unleashed. Realising the full potential of American energy means more jobs, lower prices and a more prosperous America.”
The EPA’s action follows the repeal of the 2009 Endangerment Finding and recent Supreme Court rulings, with the agency stating that Section 111 of the CAA does not permit regulation of emissions specifically to address climate change.
During the announcement, Administrator Zeldin was joined by Doug Burgum, Secretary of the US Department of the Interior and Jarrod Agen, executive director of the National Energy Dominance Council.
The EPA said coal production for generating electricity could increase substantially under the new regulatory environment.
The agency announced plans for a public hearing 15 days after the action appears in the Federal Register, followed by a 45-day comment period.
