US EPA poised to repeal carbon standards for coal and gas power plants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reportedly prepared to formally repeal carbon emission standards for coal and gas-fired power plants. This move, which could be announced as early as Monday during the G20 energy ministers' meeting in Houston, Texas, represents a significant rollback of climate regulations.

The proposed action follows a plan by the administration of President Donald Trump to overturn rules established under former President Joe Biden. Those previous regulations were designed to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, mercury, and other air pollutants, with the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons by 2047.

In addition to the repeal, agency officials reportedly plan to propose a new rule to rescind the federal finding that greenhouse gas emissions from power plants constitute a specific threat. The administration views the removal of these environmental regulations as a way to eliminate barriers to industrial development and energy production. The electricity sector currently accounts for approximately 25% of greenhouse gas pollution in the United States.