Story perspectives

EPA Eases Coal Plant Emission Rules, Saving Utilities $670M

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will relax restrictions on coal plants to allow higher emissions of mercury and other pollutants during a visit to Louisville, Kentucky.
The decision reflects U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to support fossil fuels.
Internal documents indicate utilities could save about $670 million from 2028 to 2037.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) intervened to keep eight coal units running that were slated for retirement.

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Story summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will relax restrictions on coal plants to allow higher emissions of mercury and other pollutants during a visit to Louisville, Kentucky.
The decision reflects U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to support fossil fuels.
Internal documents indicate utilities could save about $670 million from 2028 to 2037.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) intervened to keep eight coal units running that were slated for retirement.