On Feb. 20, 2026, EPA repealed the Biden Administration’s 2024 amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards which had (1) required power plants to meet more stringent emissions standards for filterable particulate matter (regulated as a surrogate for non-mercury hazardous air pollutants), (2) required power plants to install continuous monitoring systems for emissions, and (3) required lignite-fired power plants to meet the stricter emissions standards set for other coal-fired power plants. EPA estimated this repeal will save approximately $670 million through 2037 and release 8,189 pounds of mercury emissions in the year 2035, an estimated 23% increase from emissions under the 2024 rule. EPA did not monetize the public health or environmental harms associated with the repeal. Track MATS on EELP’s Regulatory Tracker Page.
Federal Environmental Justice Tracker