Trump Administration Eases Limits on Coal Plant Emissions of Mercury and Other Toxins

The move is the latest effort to boost the fossil fuel industry by paring back clean air and water rules.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Environmental Protection Agency has weakened limits on mercury and other toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants, the Trump administration's latest effort to boost the fossil fuel industry by reducing clean air and water regulations. The change is expected to save the industry hundreds of millions of dollars but could harm public health, especially for communities living near coal plants.

Why it matters

Coal plants are a major source of mercury and other toxic pollutants that can harm brain development in children and contribute to health problems in adults. The move also underscores the Trump administration's efforts to roll back environmental protections in favor of supporting the fossil fuel industry, despite the availability of cleaner and cheaper renewable energy sources.

The details

The final rule reverts the industry to standards first established in 2012 by the Obama administration that have reduced mercury emissions by nearly 90%. The Biden administration had sought to tighten those standards even further after the first Trump administration had moved to undermine them. Environmental groups say the tightened rules have saved lives and made communities that live near coal-fired power plants healthier, but industry groups argued that the tougher standards made operating coal plants too expensive.

  • The EPA announced the move on February 20, 2026.
  • The 2012 Obama-era standards reduced mercury emissions by nearly 90%.
  • The Biden administration had sought to further tighten the standards after the first Trump administration moved to undermine them.

The players

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing environmental regulations, including limits on emissions from coal-fired power plants.

David Fotouhi

EPA Deputy Administrator who stated the agency's action will reduce the cost of generating baseload power and improve reliability for consumers.

Gina McCarthy

Former EPA Administrator under President Obama, who criticized the Trump administration's move as harming public health, especially for children.

Jim Matheson

CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, who argued the tightened standards would have dealt a "crippling blow" to power plants essential for grid reliability.

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What they’re saying

“The Trump EPA's action follows the rule of law and will reduce of cost of generating baseload power, lowering costs and improving reliability for consumers.”

— David Fotouhi, EPA Deputy Administrator (nbcnews.com)

“By weakening pollution limits and monitoring for brain-damaging mercury and other pollutants, they are actively spiking any attempt to make America — and our children — healthy.”

— Gina McCarthy, Former EPA Administrator, Chair of America Is All In (nbcnews.com)

“The reliability of the electric grid is in a better place because of the administration's swift repeal of this rule. As crafted, the rule would have dealt a crippling blow to power plants that are essential to maintaining grid reliability.”

— Jim Matheson, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The Biden administration may seek to challenge the EPA's rule change and reinstate tighter emissions standards for coal plants.

The takeaway

This move by the Trump administration underscores its prioritization of supporting the fossil fuel industry over public health concerns and environmental protections, even as renewable energy sources become increasingly viable alternatives.