Power Sector – Page 2 – Environmental and Energy Law Program

Regulatory Tracker

Implementation of 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Under the Trump executive order Regulatory Freeze Pending Review, the Biden administration’s final rule setting deadlines for states to submit SIPs for nonattainment areas did not go into effect. EPA announced in June 2025 that it would reconsider the rule and, in June 2026, proposed changes that would eliminate certain SIP requirements for reclassified areas.

June 9, 2026

Regulatory Tracker

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Ozone

On March 12, 2025, EPA announced a reconsideration of the NAAQS.

June 9, 2026

Regulatory Tracker

Power Plant Effluent Limits

The Biden EPA strengthened final effluent limits for wastewater discharges from steam power plants in May 2024. In Oct. 2025, EPA proposed a rule to extend deadlines of the 2024 rule while the agency works on a more comprehensive proposal for revision.

May 18, 2026

Regulatory Tracker

Air Transport Rules: Cross-State Air Pollution Rule/Good Neighbor Plan Rule

The Clean Air Act’s Good Neighbor provision requires upwind states to ensure that their instate sources do not contribute to downwind states’ attainment of the NAAQS. On Mar. 12, 2025, EPA announced its plan to roll back the Biden administration’s Good Neighbor Plan, which the Supreme Court stayed in June 2024.

April 27, 2026

Quick Takes

EPA Finalizes Weakened Standards for OOOO Rules

Rule loosens requirements for flares and vent gas. EPA states the revisions are intended to provide flexibility to oil and gas operators.

April 10, 2026

Legal Analysis

EPA’s Final Rule Rescinding 2024 MATS Rule and Reinstating 2012 Standards

The legal foundations, regulatory history, and contested cost-benefit rationale behind EPA’s repeal of the 2024 MATS rule.

March 18, 2026

Legal Analysis

Recent History of US Methane Regulation

An analysis of the three core elements of U.S. methane policy and a look at the role of states.

January 23, 2026

Legal Analysis

EPA Proposes to End Greenhouse Gas Reporting

A summary of EPA’s proposal to eliminate the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program and a look at the potential impacts to federal, state, and industry efforts.

September 30, 2025

Post

Harvard Climate Blog: Clean Air Rules Save Lives, and are Required by Law

What are the legal risks and health consequences of the Trump administration’s proposals to eliminate two clean air regulations for power plants? A lawyer and doctor explain.

July 23, 2025