Fact Sheets

# Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Lifts Burdensome EPA Restrictions on Coal Plants

The White House
April 8, 2025

SUPPORTING OUR NATION’S COAL INDUSTRY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation granting two-years of relief from a stringent Biden-era environmental rule to certain coal-fired power plants, safeguarding the Nation’s energy grid and security, and saving coal plants from closure.

- The proclamation allows certain coal plants to comply with a less stringent version of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule for two years, instead of the more onerous version put in place by the Biden Administration.
- The move ensures these plants are not prematurely forced offline due to unattainable compliance requirements under the new rule.

ADDRESSING THE THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY AND ENERGY STABILITY: President Trump recognizes that environmental advocate overreach jeopardizes America’s energy reliability, economic vitality, and national security.

- Coal is essential to our Nation’s grid, making up 16% of U.S. electricity generation.
- Compliance with the Biden-era standards requires the application of emissions-control technologies that, for many coal plants, are not commercially viable.
- The current compliance timeline of the Biden-era rule could force widespread coal plant shutdowns, risking thousands of jobs and the stability of our electrical grid.
- These shutdowns could lead to electricity shortages, increased reliance on foreign energy, and heightened vulnerability during crises.
- This relief is necessary to maintain operational coal plants, protect energy security, and allow time for viable technology solutions, avoiding broader risks to America’s economy and defense readiness.

BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS WITH AMERICAN PROSPERITY: President Trump has consistently prioritized a pragmatic approach, ensuring environmental policies support rather than undermine America’s economic strength and national security.

- President Trump has sought to protect American industries while maintaining standards that allow Americans to have among the cleanest air and water in the world.
- He directed the EPA to repeal the Obama-era Clean Power Plan during his first term, replacing it with the Affordable Clean Energy rule in 2019 that set achievable standards to preserve jobs while addressing emissions.
- He paused the expansion of windmills, recognizing their detrimental environmental impact, particularly on wildlife, often outweighs their benefits.
- He has championed an energy dominance strategy, boosting domestic oil and gas production to reduce reliance on foreign energy while maintaining practical environmental oversight.
- His approach encourages industry to develop cost-effective solutions like improved emissions technologies rather than imposing unfeasible mandates that risk economic disruption.

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