Lee Zeldin

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is repealing greenhouse gas regulations on power plants established under the Biden administration, proposing to rescind nearly all remaining federal carbon standards for the power sector. The agency argues the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards exceeded its authority under the Clean Air Act by mandating technologies it says are not proven at scale, effectively forcing plants to retire. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the move protects reliable, affordable energy and reverses what he called a "war on coal." The agency projects billions in ratepayer savings, including $370 million in direct compliance costs.

Environmental groups, including the Ohio Environmental Council, League of Conservation Voters, and Natural Resources Defense Council, condemned the rollback, warning of health risks and continued high electricity costs while benefiting utilities and polluters. Industry groups such as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and National Mining Association praised the decision, calling the prior rules unworkable given rising energy demand. A public hearing and 45-day comment period must occur before the new rules take effect.

U.S. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has named Clermont County, Ohio Commissioner David Painter to chair the agency's Local Government Advisory Committee, a 22-member body being revitalized after largely sitting dormant since early 2025. Its first meeting under Painter, set for Sept. 25, will focus on artificial intelligence and data centers — specifically how local governments should site and regulate this fast-growing infrastructure. Painter, a member since 2023 with a 40-year background in environmental project management, is the only Ohioan on the committee; two Indiana officials also serve.

In an interview, Painter said the committee will examine issues including water use and closed-loop cooling systems, noise complaints from residents near facilities, and coal combustion residuals. He emphasized that siting decisions should remain with local townships, villages, and school districts through negotiated development agreements, and stressed planning for waste disposal and environmental impact from a project's outset rather than after the fact.