US scraps limits on emissions from coal and gas power plants

September 14, 2026

The US Environmental Protection Agency has eliminated pollution limits on coal and gas-fired power plants that were established during the Biden administration, with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claiming the move will save $310 billion and lower energy costs. The agency argues the previous regulations exceeded its authority and forced plants to close rather than meet achievable standards, while also taking steps to block future administrations from imposing similar emissions controls. Environmental organizations have condemned the decision, warning it will harm public health and the climate, noting that the eliminated Biden-era rules would have prevented approximately 4,500 premature deaths annually.

Who is affected

American public (health impacts from increased pollution)
Coal and gas power plant operators
Future presidential administrations (blocked from regulating power plant emissions)
Environmental organizations and climate advocacy groups
Biden-era EPA policymakers
Residents of states with coal and gas power plants
Global population (through climate change impacts)

What action is being taken

The EPA is scrapping pollution limits on coal and gas power plants from the Biden era
The EPA is taking steps to prevent future administrations from regulating power plant emissions
The EPA is seeking to eliminate all other greenhouse gas rules for the power sector
The proposed changes are undergoing public scrutiny
Environmental groups and states are preparing legal challenges

Why it matters

This decision significantly impacts both public health and global climate efforts because the US power sector produces roughly 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent annually, representing about a quarter of total US emissions. The eliminated Biden-era regulations were projected to prevent 4,500 premature deaths each year from pollution-related causes. As the world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, US policy changes have substantial global implications for addressing climate change. The decision also sets a precedent by attempting to block future administrations from implementing similar environmental protections, potentially limiting future climate action for years to come.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the proposed changes undergoing public scrutiny and expected immediate legal challenges from environmental groups.

Read full article from source: BBC