Trump Administration Grants Two-Year Mercury Pollution Rule Delay, Easing Burdens on Texas Power Plants Amid Health Concerns
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Trump administration has announced a significant two-year delay on the implementation of strengthened Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants, a move that offers immediate relief to a number of facilities, particularly those in Texas, while drawing sharp criticism from environmental and public health advocates. This decision, framed by the administration as addressing national security and technological availability, exempts dozens of power plants from the updated, more stringent regulations finalized under the Biden administration, effectively allowing them to continue emitting mercury and other hazardous air pollutants at current levels for an extended period.
The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, first enacted in 2012 under the Obama administration, represent a cornerstone of federal efforts to curb toxic emissions from the nation’s power plants. These standards are designed to reduce mercury, acid gases, and other harmful pollutants, which are known to have severe impacts on public health, especially for children and pregnant individuals. Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, can cause developmental delays, lower IQs, and affect cognitive functions.
Streamlining Regulations Amidst Environmental Concerns
The latest action stems from a proclamation signed by President Trump on April 8, 2025, which provides a two-year exemption from the compliance deadlines for the MATS rule, pushing the date from July 8, 2027, to July 8, 2029. This move comes after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had previously opened a window in March 2025 for companies to request presidential exemptions, citing a lack of available technology and national security interests as justifications. The Trump administration has also proposed a complete repeal of the strengthened 2024 MATS rule, which had tightened mercury emission standards by 70% for lignite-fired sources and 67% for other toxic metals, while mandating continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS).
The administration argues that the updated Biden-era regulations imposed excessive costs and technological hurdles on power plants, potentially leading to premature closures and job losses, thereby impacting energy reliability and national security. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the administration is committed to “commonsense regulation to Power the Great American Comeback” and opposes actions that could shut down reliable energy sources.
Texas: A Focal Point for Mercury Emissions and Policy Shifts
Texas, a state with a significant number of coal-fired power plants, many of which are older and rely on lignite coal—a more polluting fuel—is particularly impacted by this regulatory shift. Records indicate that Texas is home to several of the nation’s highest mercury-emitting power plants, including the Martin Lake and Oak Grove plants, and the W.A. Parish Generating Station near Houston. The state’s coal plants have historically been major contributors to mercury pollution, releasing more into the atmosphere than plants in many other states.
Six of the 11 coal plants in Texas that were eligible for the MATS exemption have been approved, benefiting from the extended compliance period. This delay is seen by critics as a boon for the state’s fossil fuel industry, potentially allowing these facilities to postpone investments in pollution control technologies. Environmental groups assert that the technology required to meet the strengthened MATS standards is already affordable and widely available, and that these exemptions provide a “free pass to pollute” at the expense of public health.
Health and Environmental Ramifications
Environmental advocates and public health experts have voiced strong opposition to the delay and proposed repeal of the MATS rule. They argue that the move will reverse years of progress in reducing harmful mercury emissions, which can travel long distances and contaminate water bodies and the food chain. Mercury contamination of fish in Texas lakes is already a concern, leading to consumption advisories for pregnant women and children.
The Biden administration’s strengthened MATS rule was projected to prevent up to 11,000 premature deaths, 4,700 heart attacks, and 130,000 asthma attacks annually. Critics of the Trump administration’s actions argue that weakening these protections will lead to an increase in these health issues, disproportionately affecting frontline communities already burdened by industrial pollution.
Industry versus Advocacy and Legal Challenges
While industry groups have often welcomed regulatory rollbacks, citing cost savings and operational flexibility, environmental organizations have vowed to challenge the administration’s actions. Several lawsuits have already been filed against the Trump EPA over similar regulatory delays and proposed repeals, including those concerning methane pollution standards for the oil and gas industry.
The Sierra Club and other environmental groups have expressed deep concern, stating that these rollbacks represent a direct attack on public health and environmental safeguards. They contend that the administration is prioritizing industry profits over the well-being of communities, particularly those living near power plants.
Looking Ahead
As the Trump administration moves forward with its deregulatory agenda, the future of mercury pollution control from power plants remains uncertain. The extended compliance deadlines and proposed repeals of strengthened standards signal a significant shift in environmental policy. The long-term consequences for public health and the environment in Texas and across the nation will depend on the durability of these policy changes and the outcomes of ongoing legal and political challenges. This developing news highlights a contentious debate over balancing economic interests with essential environmental protections.
