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EPA Proposes Changes to Coal Plant Regulations for Reliable, Affordable Power and Water Protection

The EPA's proposed changes to coal plant regulations aim to ensure reliable, affordable power while protecting water resources. Public input is sought to inform future rulemaking.

In this image we can see a fire hydrant and yellow color pipe. Background of the image bus,...
In this image we can see a fire hydrant and yellow color pipe. Background of the image bus, electric wires, poles and trees are there.

EPA Proposes Changes to Coal Plant Regulations for Reliable, Affordable Power and Water Protection

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to regulations for coal-fired power plants, aiming to balance reliable, affordable electricity with water resource protection under the Clean Water Act (CWA). This action aligns with President Trump's 'Unleashing American Energy' executive order and could reduce costs for facilities while maintaining clean water standards.

The EPA is seeking public input on potential challenges in implementing the 2024 Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) rule. The proposed changes, if finalized, would modify compliance deadlines for the Steam Electric Power Generating category (40 CFR Part 423).

The EPA's 'Deadline Extensions Rule' would allow permitting authorities to extend compliance deadlines on a site-specific basis due to unexpected increases in electricity demand. This flexibility aims to bolster industrial competitiveness and prevent higher costs for local businesses, potentially making the U.S. the global leader in artificial intelligence.

The EPA estimates that these changes could reduce costs by approximately $30 million to $200 million per year. The agency remains committed to protecting water resources and will host an online briefing on October 14, 2025, to discuss the proposal and a companion direct final rule.

The EPA's proposed changes to coal-fired power plant regulations aim to ensure reliable, affordable electricity while protecting water resources. The agency seeks public input to inform potential future rulemaking and remains dedicated to advancing progress under the Clean Water Act.

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