The New York Times reported that the Trump administration plans to ease emissions limits on coal-fired power plants this week, potentially allowing increased discharges of hazardous pollutants such as mercury. Senior EPA officials are expected to announce the change during a visit to Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday. Reuters ran the Times story on Feb. 18.
EPA to Relax Mercury Rules for Coal-Fired Power Plants This Week, NYT Reports
FILE PHOTO: Fumes rise from the coal-fired Huntington Power Plant in Huntington, Utah, U.S., October 28, 2024. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart /File Photo
Feb. 18 (Reuters) - The Trump administration plans to ease limits on emissions from coal-fired power plants this week, a move that would allow higher releases of hazardous pollutants, including mercury, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.
Senior U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials are expected to announce the change during a visit to Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday, the Times said. If implemented, the policy shift would represent a notable rollback of restrictions on coal-plant emissions put in place to protect public health and the environment.
Potential Impacts: Public-health advocates have long warned that increased mercury and other toxic emissions can harm neurological development and ecosystems. The report did not include new EPA analyses or detailed timelines for implementation.
Reuters carried the Times report on Feb. 18.
Reporting by Bhargav Acharya and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Doina Chiacu.
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