Story perspectives

EPA Repeals Greenhouse-Gas Rules for Coal and Gas Plants

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 4:51 PM UTC · How we work

Center

EPA cites threshold

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal of greenhouse-gas standards for coal- and gas-fired plants at a G20 summit in Houston on Sept. 14, 2026.
The EPA says power-plant emissions fail to meet the Clean Air Act’s dangerous-pollution threshold, using that as justification for the repeal.
Projected savings include $1.2 billion annually and $120 million yearly reductions in mercury-rule compliance costs, and the agency revoked the 2024 mercury and air-toxics limits.

Left

Low-Income Health Threat

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced repeal of greenhouse-gas standards for coal and gas plants at a G20 summit in Houston, Sept. 14, 2026.
Critics say the rollback will raise health risks for nearby residents, especially in low-income neighborhoods, and accelerate climate impacts.
Sierra Club chief Holly Bender pledged to fight in courts, Congress and communities, warning of worse wildfires, floods and electricity bills.

History

Historical Context

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, signed by President George H. W. Bush, imposed a cap-and-trade program to cut sulfur-dioxide emissions by 10 million tons below 1980 levels. After the 2007 Supreme Court’s *Massachusetts v. EPA* decision classified greenhouse gases as pollutants, the EPA issued an endangerment finding. On 12 February 2026, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin revoked that finding, echoing earlier attempts to weaken the Act.

1 of 3

EPA cites threshold

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal of greenhouse-gas standards for coal- and gas-fired plants at a G20 summit in Houston on Sept. 14, 2026.
The EPA says power-plant emissions fail to meet the Clean Air Act’s dangerous-pollution threshold, using that as justification for the repeal.
Projected savings include $1.2 billion annually and $120 million yearly reductions in mercury-rule compliance costs, and the agency revoked the 2024 mercury and air-toxics limits.

1 / 3