EPA rolls back stricter coal plant pollution rules during Louisville visit

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday in Louisville the agency will roll back stricter pollution limits on coal-fired power plants, reversing rules put in place under President Joe Biden's administration.

The move repeals tougher standards on mercury and other toxic air pollutants and returns coal plants to earlier requirements established in 2012 under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, known as MATS.

EPA officials said the rollback will help keep electricity reliable and affordable, particularly in states like Kentucky which still rely heavily on coal for power generation. The agency estimates utilities could save about $670 million in compliance costs over the next decade by not having to meet the stricter standards.

"Our job is to impose reasonable, achievable regulatory obligations that protect human health and the environment, while allowing baseload power to grow and thrive," said David Fotouhi, the EPA's deputy administrator.

Fotouhi announced the changes at LG&E's only coal-powered plant in Louisville, the Mill Creek Generating Station following a tour of the facility.

"The EPA's actions today rights the wrongs of the last administration's rule and will return the industry to the highly effective original MATS standards that helped pave the way for American energy dominance," Fotouhi said.

The Biden-era update would have required some coal plants to further reduce emissions of hazardous pollutants such as mercury, arsenic and lead. Health experts say mercury exposure can damage brain development in children and pose risks to pregnant women.

Supporters of the rollback, including some energy industry groups and Republican lawmakers, argue the stricter rules would have forced costly upgrades and potentially led to the closure of some coal plants.

Environmental and public health advocates oppose the change, saying loosening the limits could increase toxic air pollution and reverse years of progress in reducing harmful emissions from power plants.

"The Trump administration is bragging about polluting our air and water with more mercury and toxins, while the rest of us are paying more and more for our utility bills," Kentucky U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, said in a statement. "It's shameful."

Coal-fired plants now generate less than 20% of the nation's electricity but remain a significant source of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants.

The policy shift is expected to face legal challenges.

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