On Oct. 2, 2025, EPA proposed to extend the deadline for coal-fired power plants to comply with technology-based effluent limitations guidelines for wastewater discharges under the Clean Water Act. The new rule would extend the notice of planned participation (NOPP) deadline by six years to 2031, as well as move the zero-discharge compliance deadline for wastewater from 2029 to 2034. The rule would also allow facilities to switch between compliance alternatives and allow state permitting agencies to include alternative applicability dates based on site-specific factors.
EPA cited a growing energy crisis as a reason for these extensions, stating they would “give utilities flexibilities needed to provide affordable and reliable power.” The agency sought public comment on the proposed rule.
We track Power Plant Effluent Limits on our Regulatory Tracker.
Background
On March 29, 2023, EPA proposed a new rule to impose stricter standards on wastewater discharge from coal-fired power plants that disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. Wastewater discharge from these plans often includes toxic heavy metals, including mercury and arsenic, as well as nutrient pollution and solids that can harm people and ecosystems. If implemented, EPA estimated the rule would remove about 584 million pounds of pollutants in wastewater discharge from coal-fired power plants each year.