 Trump Grants 68 Coal Plants Email Pass to Bypass Clean Air Rules

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The exemptions allow plants across 23 states to postpone complying with limits on mercury, arsenic, and other toxic pollutants for two years.

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EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin told companies they could simply cite "national security" or "lack of available technology" to bypass regulations.

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Many exempted facilities are located near working-class communities and communities of color already burdened by high pollution levels.

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Before 2012, coal plants could emit unlimited amounts of these toxins, but the original standards led to a 90% reduction in mercury emissions.

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Environmental groups dispute the claim that technology isn't available—EPA's own analysis found 93% of coal plants were already complying with updated standards.

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A coalition of 12 environmental and community groups filed a lawsuit on June 12, claiming the exemptions sacrifice public health for coal industry profits.

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Critics argue Trump twisted Section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act, a provision never used in 55 years and meant only for genuine national security emergencies.

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Mercury exposure can damage children's brain development, while arsenic is linked to cancer and other serious health problems.

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The exemptions are part of a broader push to extend the life of coal plants despite cheaper alternatives like natural gas and renewable energy.

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