May 2nd, 2025
The Trump government allowed about 70 power plants that use coal to not follow rules for two years. These rules were made to lower dangerous chemicals like mercury, arsenic, and benzene.
A list on the government website shows that 47 power companies don't have to follow some rules about clean air for their coal power plants. These rules are part of a law called the Clean Air Act. This happened after President Trump signed an order to help the coal industry.
Some power plants don't have to follow the rules. For example, a very big power plant in Montana called Colstrip sends more bad things into the air than other similar plants. The EPA says it sends out lead and arsenic. Other plants that don't follow the rules are Coal Creek Station in North Dakota, which sends out a lot of mercury, and the Oak Grove plant in Texas, which also pollutes a lot.
Some big energy companies in the country own these plants. These plants don't have to follow certain rules. The companies are Talen Energy, Dominion Energy, NRG Energy, and Southern Co.
This rule also helps four power plants run by the Tennessee Valley Authority. This is the biggest public power company in the country.
The EPA said the new rules will help power stations that burn coal. This will make sure there is enough electricity, it is cheap for people, and it makes our country's energy stronger.
Michelle Bloodworth, the head of a group that supports coal power plants, said Trump thinks the country needs coal plants a lot. She said they help keep our electricity strong and safe, which is very important for our economy.
She said the rules made by President Joe Biden did not follow the Clean Air Act and used the wrong information.
Bloodworth said a rule about mercury, which finished last year, might have made many coal power plants close early. He also said we need these plants to help the electricity system work well.
Environmental groups said Trump and Lee Zeldin did not do their job.
These permits to pollute make big holes in the rules that protect our air, said Maya Golden-Krasner, a lawyer for an environmental group. She said it is wrong to say that making people breathe more dangerous chemicals is about keeping the country safe. She added that this shows what happens when making money for companies that pollute is more important than the health of people and the Earth.
Groups that care about nature and health say the government's plan is not good. They think it could let many companies avoid following rules that keep the environment and people healthy.
Some people say the new email address helps companies that pollute get special permission.
Some dangerous air chemicals are controlled by nine rules. If people touch or breathe in mercury, it can hurt their brain, especially children. Babies can also have problems if their mothers touch or breathe in mercury when they are pregnant.
Last week, Trump made some rules to keep old coal power plants working. He said the US needs more power for things like computer centers, AI, and electric cars. Trump also told government groups to find coal, make it easier to get coal, and let companies dig for coal on US land.
Trump, who is a Republican, has often said he wants to help the coal industry. He calls coal "beautiful" and wants it to be used in power plants and for other things.
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