Tag: coal power plants

EPA Proposes Significantly Stronger MATS Standards for Coal-Fired Power Plants

In April 2023, the EPA announced a proposed rule to strengthen and update the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants, achieving important hazardous air pollutant emissions reductions and ensuring standards reflect the latest advancements in pollution control technologies. If passed, the rule represents the most significant update to date since the […]

EPA Proposes Stronger Wastewater Discharge Standards for Coal-Fired Power Plants

In March 2023, the EPA proposed strengthening wastewater discharge standards that apply to coal-fired power plants. The proposed rule would establish more stringent discharge standards for three wastewaters generated at coal-fired power plants: Flue gas desulfurization wastewater Bottom ash transport water Combustion residual leachate The proposed rule also addresses wastewater produced by coal-fired power plants […]

Coal power plant with air emissions

EPA Faces Backlash, Lawsuits Over Changes to MATS

In a petition filed in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on June 19, 2020, 23 advocacy groups represented by Earthjustice sued the EPA and asked the court to overturn the current administration’s updated benefit-cost analysis (BCA) for limits on coal-fired power plants’ mercury emissions. The existing Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) regulations took […]

EPA Reverses Coal Plant Mercury Finding, But MATS Stays in Place

In a final action, the Trump EPA has reversed a finding the Agency made in 2000 (and affirmed by the Obama EPA in 2012) that it is appropriate and necessary (A&N) to regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from coal- and oil-fired electric generating units (EGUs) under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act […]

Coal Plant

Small Coal Plants Benefit from MATS Amendment

It has been clear for some time that deregulatory actions at the federal level will slow but not stop the decline of coal as an energy source in the United States. Still, the EPA continues to do what it can to ensure that coal remains a key component of the nation’s energy portfolio.