On Dec. 31, 2025, EPA finalized a rule to extend compliance deadlines for the 2024 technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards. On May 18, 2026, EPA proposed a rule to revise those guidelines and standards. The proposed revision applied to unmanaged combustion residual leachate. EPA estimated the revision would reduce costs by $446 to $1,090 million dollars annually at a 3 percent discount rate. EPA accepted comments until June 17, 2026.
Track Power Plant Effluent Limits on EELP’s Regulatory Tracker.
Background
On March 29, 2023, EPA proposed a new rule to impose stricter standards on wastewater discharge from coal-fired power plants. Effluent from these plants disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. Wastewater discharge from these plants 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. EPA finalized the rule in May 2024.
On Oct. 2, 2025, EPA proposed to extend the deadline for this rule. The proposed 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. On Dec. 31, 2025, EPA finalized the rule.