Trump administration repeals Biden administration-era greenhouse gas regulations for power plants

The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday proposed sweeping measures that would eliminate carbon dioxide emissions limits from power plants imposed by the Biden administration and remove all remaining greenhouse gas regulations for the sector.

The Biden administration has required existing coal-fired power plants and new natural gas power plants to limit carbon dioxide emissions by 90%. According to the EPA, power plants are the second largest source of global warming emissions in the United States after transportation.

The broad repeal, first proposed by the EPA last year, argues that the federal government does not have the authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants based on climate change.

The rule, which is still subject to finalization, would prevent future administrations from regulating power plant emissions to combat climate change, EPA officials told reporters on a conference call Monday.

The final repeal of the Biden rule comes as Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Lee Zeldin, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum meet with G20 officials in Houston, Texas, to discuss energy issues.

Zeldin framed the repeal as a way to lower electricity bills for American households. With gasoline and diesel prices soaring due to the war between the United States and Iran, the cost of living has become a major issue ahead of November’s midterm elections.

President Donald Trump has systematically dismantled regulations introduced by the Obama and Biden administrations to try to combat climate change. In February, the EPA reversed a key finding that classified carbon dioxide as a threat to public health.

The Trump administration has sought to revive the coal industry, expand gas-fired power plants and increase oil production while blocking solar and wind power projects.