Trump EPA is to eliminate rule that limits planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is poised to repeal rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants, according to recent reports. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has stated that this move would eliminate billions in costs for the industry and enable "unleashed" American energy. The proposed rule change, announced last year, could be finalized as early as Monday, according to sources familiar with the proposal.

This shift in policy represents a stark contrast to Democratic efforts led by presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama to address climate change and reduce industrial pollution, often in low-income and predominantly Black or Hispanic communities. The rule is expected to face immediate legal challenges and could prevent future administrations from regulating greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

The EPA has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter. The proposed rollback, first reported by the New York Times, is set to be announced during a G20 ministerial meeting in Houston, highlighting the significance of the energy industry in the region. The rule change aligns with President Donald Trump's repeated pledge to "unleash American energy" and make electricity more accessible for homes and businesses.

The power plant rule is among nearly three dozen environmental regulations targeted by Zeldin in 2025, which he described as the "most consequential day of deregulation in American history." Environmental and public health groups have criticized the rollbacks, warning of significant health, safety, and economic consequences for the nation.