The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on September 14, 2026, that it will no longer regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants that burn coal or natural gas. This decision marks a rollback of most emissions limits established during the Biden administration, with officials stating that the move aims to reduce regulatory burdens that increase energy costs. The agency also proposed to rescind regulations from the Obama administration and to prevent future administrations from implementing similar regulations.
Power generation from coal and gas is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and a significant contributor to global climate change. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated, "For over 15 years, the Obama and Biden administrations implemented a war on coal to destroy reliable and affordable energy. The Trump Administration has come in to protect American energy and to make sure you can afford to keep the lights on."
Experts have expressed concerns that the rollback could lead to an increase of up to 5.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. Zealan Hoover, a former senior advisor to the EPA during the Biden administration, noted that the decision could hinder progress on climate change and public health standards.
California, which has phased out coal-fired power plants and has its own regulations on natural gas, is not directly affected by the rollback. However, experts warn that the decision could exacerbate climate change impacts that affect the state. California Air Resources Board spokesperson Lindsay Buckley confirmed that the Trump administration's decision does not impact California’s existing regulations.
The EPA's action is part of a broader trend of deregulation over the past two years, including the dismantling of rules on pollution from vehicles and limits on mercury emissions from power plants. The agency argues that greenhouse gas emissions are not classified as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act, citing a 2022 Supreme Court case that limited its authority in regulating emissions.
The announcement coincides with a projected increase in global coal consumption due to rising natural gas prices amid geopolitical tensions. The rollback is expected to face legal challenges from environmental groups and other stakeholders concerned about its implications for climate policy.