Trump Administration Moves to Scrap Climate Pollution Limits on Power Plants

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to eliminate all remaining limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, as the country's electricity demand rises due to AI data centers, electric vehicles, and a push to revive domestic manufacturing.

The move marks a significant escalation of President Donald Trump's efforts to promote fossil fuels and ease the construction of energy-intensive data centers. Environmental and consumer advocates are pushing back, arguing the deregulation will bring higher costs for the environment, public health, and household budgets.

Dominique Browning, director of Moms Clean Air Force, warned that failing to limit climate pollution means more children suffering asthma attacks and heatstroke, along with higher healthcare and insurance costs for families already under financial strain.

Background and justification

The power sector accounts for roughly a quarter of US greenhouse gas emissions, second only to transportation. In February, the Trump administration had already reversed the "endangerment finding" for vehicles, which had allowed regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. The EPA is now extending that same rollback to power plants.

While there is scientific consensus that fossil fuel emissions drive climate change, the EPA argues in its announcement that regulating this pollution falls outside its authority, claiming the health impacts are too uncertain and complex to link directly to the US power sector. The US has historically produced more greenhouse gas pollution than any other nation and remains the second-largest emitter after China.

The agency estimates that finalizing the repeal of Biden-era rules will save $310 billion, with the additional proposed changes cutting compliance costs by a further $370 million. The proposal will be open for public comment for 45 days and is expected to face numerous legal challenges. The Sierra Club has already pledged to fight the measure in courts, in Congress, and across communities.