EPA Reverses Biden-Era Coal Restrictions, Advocates Praise Move

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the changes will restore American energy dominance and support struggling coal communities.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The EPA has announced it will undo recent additions to the federal "mercury and air-toxics standards" (MATS) for coal-fired power plants, a move praised by energy advocates as a step towards revitalizing the American coal industry. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the changes will ensure both public health and the health of the coal sector amid a push for U.S. energy dominance.

Why it matters

The decision to roll back the Biden-era coal restrictions is seen as a significant victory for the struggling coal industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. Advocates argue the move will help restore economic prosperity in coal-dependent communities that have been devastated by the "war on coal." However, critics warn the changes will weaken pollution limits and expose the public, especially children, to harmful toxins like mercury.

The details

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency will undo recent additions to the federal "mercury and air-toxics standards" (MATS) for coal-fired power plants. Zeldin said the robust MATS standards will remain in effect, allowing the coal industry to continue operating while also protecting public health. Power the Future founder Daniel Turner praised the move as a step towards revitalizing the American coal industry and supporting economically depressed communities in Appalachia and beyond that have been devastated by the "war on coal." However, former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy criticized the changes, warning they will undermine efforts to protect children from brain-damaging mercury and other pollutants.

  • The EPA announced the changes on February 20, 2026.

The players

Lee Zeldin

The current EPA Administrator who announced the reversal of the Biden-era coal restrictions.

Daniel Turner

The founder of the domestic energy advocacy group Power the Future, who praised the EPA's decision as a step towards revitalizing the American coal industry.

Gina McCarthy

The former EPA Administrator under the Obama administration, who criticized the changes as undermining efforts to protect public health, especially for children.

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What they’re saying

“The Biden-Harris Administration's anti-coal regulations sought to regulate out of existence this vital sector of our energy economy. If implemented, these actions would have destroyed reliable American energy.”

— Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator (foxnews.com)

“Restoring America's coal dominance is good for our national security and economy, and it restores the dignity of small-town coal workers whose labor is vital to America's survival.”

— Daniel Turner, Founder, Power the Future (foxnews.com)

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

— Gina McCarthy, Former EPA Administrator (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The EPA's decision to reverse the Biden-era coal restrictions is expected to face legal challenges from environmental groups and public health advocates concerned about the impact on air quality and public health.

The takeaway

The EPA's move to roll back the coal restrictions is a significant victory for the struggling coal industry, but it has also sparked concerns from critics who warn it will expose the public, especially children, to harmful pollutants. The decision highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between environmental protection and economic interests in the energy sector.