US EPA scraps carbon pollution limits for coal and gas power plants

The US Environmental Protection Agency has lifted emissions standards for coal- and gas-fired power plants, advancing the Trump administration's rollback of climate regulations.

• EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal of Biden-era carbon pollution standards for coal- and gas-fired power plants.
• The EPA said the previous rules "exceeded the agency's authority" by requiring control technologies that were not adequately demonstrated.
• The EPA said scrapping the rules will save $310bn and lower energy prices.
• Agency officials plan to propose a separate rule repealing the federal finding that greenhouse gas emissions from power plants pose a threat to public health.
• Zeldin announced the rollback at a Houston news conference, saying it would cut red tape and 'unleash' American energy.
• The EPA also proposed a separate rule to prevent future administrations from again regulating such emissions.
• Environmental groups and Democratic lawmakers pledged to challenge the rollback in court, citing risks to public health and climate change.