Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

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.