EPA Proposes to Eliminate Climate Rules for Power Plant Emissions
Official: Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Findings for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants and Repeal of Regulations for Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Clean Air Act Section 111
Reading: The EPA is proposing to rescind the Greenhouse Gas Findings and repeal existing Clean Air Act Section 111 regulations that currently limit power plant carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
New Jersey residents and utilities would need to determine whether they follow any remaining state rules or can operate power plants with fewer emissions controls.
In clear language
The EPA is proposing to cancel its previous determination that greenhouse gases from power plants are harmful to public health and to eliminate federal regulations that limit carbon dioxide and methane emissions from power plants. This would reverse emissions-reduction requirements that have been in place under the Clean Air Act. New Jersey residents and utilities would need to determine whether they follow any remaining state rules or can operate power plants with fewer emissions controls.
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?
- Power plant operators and utility companies in New Jersey and nationwide
- Residents and communities near fossil fuel power plants (air quality impacts)
- State government officials who may need to fill regulatory gaps or strengthen New Jersey's own rules
- Public health advocates concerned with air pollution and respiratory health
What can you do?
- Submit a public comment on the EPA proposal (due 2026-11-03) via Regulations.gov explaining why you support or oppose the repeal
- Contact your U.S. Congressional representatives and Senators to express your position on power plant emissions rules
- Advocate with New Jersey state legislators and the NJDEP to strengthen or enforce state-level climate and air-quality standards if federal protections are removed
Timeline
- Comment deadline: 2026-11-03
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- 2026-11-03: Public comment deadline
In the press
The EPA has eliminated the federal rule limiting greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, reversing earlier climate regulations under the Clean Air Act. Coverage in The New York Times, The Guardian, and AP News notes that states and cities, including New Jersey, have sued to challenge the repeal of this key emissions-reduction requirement.
- The New York TimesStates Sue Over Trump’s Repeal of Climate Rules for Power Plants
- The GuardianUS states and cities sue over Trump EPA’s repeal of emissions rules
- AP NewsStates and cities sue over Trump's EPA eliminating rule that limits emissions from power plants
- AP NewsEPA eliminates rule that limits planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from power plants
- The GuardianUS ends limits on coal and gas plant emissions, removing key tool to fight climate crisis
- AP NewsEPA eliminates rule that limits planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from 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
- Federal RegisterSep 17, 2026EPA Plan to Eliminate Greenhouse Gas Emission Rules for Coal and Gas Power Plants
The EPA is proposing to cancel all federal rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants, arguing that the Clean Air Act does not give the EPA authority to regulate power plant emissions for climate change reasons. This would overturn emission standards set in 2015 and 2024 that required power plants to reduce their carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The move would remove one of the main federal tools for reducing emissions from electricity generation.
- Federal RegisterJul 15, 2026EPA approves Wisconsin's plan to reduce nitrogen oxide pollution from Oak Creek Power Plant
The EPA is approving Wisconsin's plan to set new, lower limits on nitrogen oxide emissions from the Oak Creek Power Plant. These new limits will require the plant to emit less pollution over time while still meeting federal air quality standards. This change helps improve air quality in the region and keeps the state in compliance with federal clean air rules.
- Federal RegisterJul 9, 2026EPA Approves Michigan's Plan to Keep St. Clair Air Clean from Sulfur Dioxide Pollution
The EPA is officially approving Michigan's plan to redesignate a polluted air area near St. Clair as having achieved healthy air quality for sulfur dioxide pollution. Michigan has also submitted and the EPA is approving a maintenance plan to keep that air quality from getting worse, including new emissions limits on a major power plant. This federal approval takes effect immediately.
- Federal RegisterJun 8, 2026EPA proposes to weaken pollution controls on a Wyoming power plant
The EPA is proposing to remove a requirement that a Wyoming coal power plant (Dave Johnston Unit 3) either close or install strict pollution-control equipment to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions that cause regional haze. The power company PacifiCorp asked the EPA to withdraw this requirement, and the EPA is agreeing to reconsider it. This change would allow the plant to operate with less stringent pollution controls than previously required.