Correction to Rules About Pollution from Coal and Oil Power Plants
Official: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units: Final Repeal; Correction
Reading: The EPA is finalizing the repeal of specific amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) NESHAP for coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units, eliminating existing hazardous air pollutant emission controls.
The corrected rule becomes official on April 27, 2026.
In clear language
The EPA is fixing some typing errors and missing text from a rule that repealed certain pollution limits on coal and oil-fired power plants. These corrections don't change what power plants actually have to do—they just fix mistakes in how the rule was written. The corrected rule becomes official on April 27, 2026.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Coal and oil-fired power plant operators and owners
- People living near coal and oil power plants
- EPA and state environmental agencies enforcing these rules
What can you do?
- If you live near a coal or oil power plant, monitor local air quality reports and stay informed about emissions standards that apply to your area
- Contact your state environmental agency or EPA regional office if you have concerns about air pollution from nearby power plants
Timeline
- Effective: 2026-04-27
- Effective: 2026-04-27
- Effective: 2026-04-27
- Effective: 2026-04-27
- Effective: 2026-04-27
- April 27, 2026 - Rule becomes effective
In the press
Coverage reports that the EPA has loosened or repealed pollution limits on coal and oil-fired power plants, including mercury rules and climate/pollution standards that had been in place under the Biden administration. The Guardian and New York Times note that most US coal plants could have met the stricter air pollution rules before they were weakened.
- The GuardianMost US coal plants could meet air pollution rules. Trump weakened them anyway
- The New York TimesE.P.A. Plans to Loosen Mercury Rules for Coal Plants, Documents Show
- The New York TimesE.P.A. Axes Biden’s Climate and Pollution Limits on Power Plants
Coverage retrieved automatically from major and NJ outlets. Links go to the original reporting; the summary above draws only on these headlines.
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
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- Federal RegisterApr 1, 2026New Rules for Renewable Fuel Requirements in 2026 and 2027
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- Regulations.govApr 16, 2026Changes to Pollution Rules for Coal and Oil Power Plants
This is a federal rule that removes pollution controls that were previously required for coal and oil-fired power plants. The rule affects how much hazardous air pollution these plants are allowed to release into the air. This change applies nationwide and could impact air quality in New Jersey and surrounding areas.
- NJ LegislatureMar 23, 2026Encouraging Data Centers in the Northeast to Use Clean Energy
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