Trump administration removes power plant emissions limits

The Trump administration has removed emissions limits for power plants, a move announced during the G20 Energy Ministers summit in Houston, Texas. This decision rolls back decarbonization rules established in 2024 under the Biden administration and aims to prevent future regulations in the sector.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that previous Democratic administrations conducted a ‘war against coal’ to destroy a reliable and cheap energy source. He argued the current administration seeks to protect the American energy sector and ensure affordable electricity for households, particularly as electricity demand surges due to the growth of energy-intensive artificial intelligence data centers.

The energy sector accounts for nearly one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Environmental groups, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, have criticized the deregulation, claiming it prioritizes fossil fuel industry profits over public health and well-being. The EPA clarified that the decision specifically targets greenhouse gas emissions and that its oversight of other pollutants will continue.