The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reversed a rule that tightened air quality regulations for heavy metals from coal-fired electricity, potentially saving Montana’s Colstrip coal plant from closure. This change undoes a policy from the Biden era, known as the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), that aimed to reduce harmful emissions from coal plants.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the rollback, stating the previous regulation would have “destroyed reliable American energy.” The decision aligns with Trump administration policies to bolster the coal industry. Environmental groups, however, argue that this move violates federal laws protecting public health from industrial pollution.
Anne Hedges, Executive Director of Montana Environmental Information Center, anticipates legal challenges, citing substantial evidence that the 2024 standards are achievable with current technology. “Trump doesn’t have the right to rewrite the Clean Air Act,” Hedges insisted, emphasizing the health risks posed by increased pollution.
The Colstrip plant, co-owned by NorthWestern Energy, was significantly affected by these regulations. The utility has argued in a federal lawsuit that the MATS rule put it in an “untenable” position, forcing choices between expensive upgrades or early retirement. NorthWestern has temporarily secured relief using a Clean Air Act provision for national security interests.
Montana politicians supported the repeal, with Gov. Greg Gianforte praising the decision for safeguarding energy jobs and ensuring reliable power. The announcement comes amid federal efforts to support the faltering coal industry by reopening the Powder River Basin to new leases and lowering federal coal royalties.
—
Read More Montana News
