The Trump administration has taken a controversial step by granting nearly 70 coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to curb toxic emissions like mercury, arsenic, and benzene.
A quietly posted list on the Environmental Protection Agency's website shows that 47 power providers, operating at least 66 coal-fired plants, are benefiting from these exemptions under the Clean Air Act. This move comes on the heels of an executive order by President Donald Trump aimed at supporting a struggling coal industry during challenging market conditions.
The decision represents a complex balancing act between boosting economic activity in a declining industry and addressing environmental and public health concerns. While industry advocates view the exemption as a necessary reprieve, environmental observers caution that relaxed regulations could lead to higher levels of toxic emissions.
As global debates continue over sustainable energy policies, this development highlights the challenges faced by nations in reconciling economic revival with the need for stricter pollution controls. The unfolding situation serves as an example of the dynamic interplay between policy shifts and real-world impacts in today's interconnected world.
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Trump exempts 70 coal plants from federal mercury pollution rule
cgtn.com
