E.P.A. Weakens Limits on Mercury From Coal Plants

The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday weakened pollution limits for coal-burning power plants, allowing them to release more heavy metals, including mercury, a powerful neurotoxin linked to brain damage. The move is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to revive the declining U.S.

coal industry. Senior E.P.A. officials announced the change during a visit to the Mill Creek Generating Station in Louisville, Ky., alongside Republican lawmakers. Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency was not eliminating limits but repealing stricter 2024 standards and reverting to the looser requirements that took effect in 2012; nearly all plants have already met those older rules, and many that could not have closed.

When coal is burned it emits mercury that can fall with rain or snow, contaminate waterways and accumulate in fish and shellfish. High exposures are linked to heart disease and severe neurological harm in adults and to developmental delays in fetuses and infants.

United States, Louisville, Kentucky

epa, mercury, coal plants, coal industry, heavy metals, power plants, mill creek, louisville, lee zeldin, neurotoxin