Story perspectives

Trump Grants Coal Exemption, Ignites Health Controversy

11/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a two-year exemption from Biden-era Clean Air Act regulations for coal used in steelmaking, affecting 11 coke ovens.
The exemption applies to regulations limiting mercury and requiring benzene monitoring.
Trump argued emissions-control technology is not commercially viable.
Critics, including Earthjustice attorney Tosh Sagar, condemned exemptions as failing public health.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has facilitated exemption requests, spurring numerous exemptions under the Trump administration.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a two-year exemption from Biden-era Clean Air Act regulations for coal used in steelmaking, affecting 11 coke ovens.
The exemption applies to regulations limiting mercury and requiring benzene monitoring.
Trump argued emissions-control technology is not commercially viable.
Critics, including Earthjustice attorney Tosh Sagar, condemned exemptions as failing public health.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has facilitated exemption requests, spurring numerous exemptions under the Trump administration.