EPA Rolls Back Coal Plant Mercury Emissions Rules

Reversal of 2024 standards could increase toxic mercury levels in fish and food supply.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has abandoned the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, which had reduced allowable mercury pollution from coal-fired plants by as much as 90%. This rollback comes despite warnings from scientists and environmental groups about the dangers of increased mercury levels in the food chain, including fish, seafood, and even pet food.

Why it matters

Mercury is an extremely toxic metal that can cause serious health issues, especially for children, pregnant women, and fetuses. Increased mercury emissions from coal plants will lead to higher levels in waterways, fish, and the broader food supply, potentially costing millions of IQ points nationwide.

The details

When coal is burned in power plants, it releases mercury into the air, which can then travel long distances and end up in waterways. Earthworms and small aquatic organisms convert this mercury into an even more toxic form, methylmercury, which then moves up the food chain. While about 70% of mercury in the U.S. comes from outside the country, the EPA still has significant control over domestic emissions.

  • In 2013, 140 countries, including the U.S., joined the Minamata Convention to control mercury pollution.
  • In 2012, the EPA set the previous, looser standards for mercury emissions from coal plants.
  • Last month, the EPA abandoned the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards that had reduced mercury pollution by up to 90%.

The players

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing regulations on air and water pollution, including mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Nicholas Fisher

An expert in marine pollution at Stony Brook University who says mercury is one of the most toxic metals and that there should be no question about the need for strict regulations.

Gabriel Filippelli

The executive director of the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute, who says elevated mercury levels cost millions of IQ points across the country.

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What they’re saying

“Mercury is an extremely toxic metal. It's probably among the most toxic of all the metals, and it's been known for centuries.”

— Nicholas Fisher, Expert in marine pollution, Stony Brook University (heatmap.news)

“Mercury is not a trivial pollutant. Elevated mercury levels cost millions of IQ points across the country.”

— Gabriel Filippelli, Executive Director, Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute (heatmap.news)

What’s next

The EPA's rollback of mercury emissions standards is expected to lead to increased levels of the toxic metal in fish, seafood, and even pet food, posing health risks to humans and animals. Environmental groups and public health advocates are likely to challenge the decision in court.

The takeaway

The EPA's decision to abandon stricter limits on mercury emissions from coal plants will have far-reaching consequences, potentially exposing millions of Americans to higher levels of this highly toxic substance through the food chain. This move undermines decades of progress in reducing mercury pollution and protecting public health.