In a controversial move, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the repeal of critical regulations that restrict the release of toxic air pollutants from coal-fired power plants. This decision is expected to increase the emissions of hazardous metals such as mercury and arsenic, prompting widespread condemnation from environmental and health advocacy groups. Critics warn that this rollback not only jeopardises public health but also undermines decades of progress in air quality standards.
A Step Backwards for Public Health
The EPA’s latest action, which reverses a Biden-era policy aimed at curbing air pollution, could have dire consequences for Americans’ health. According to EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi, the 2024 amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards were deemed “burdensome and unnecessary,” suggesting that they threatened the reliability of the power grid. In a social media post, Fotouhi claimed that repealing these regulations would save an estimated $670 million, asserting that protections established in 2012 would remain intact. However, this assertion has been met with skepticism.
Health experts are sounding the alarm over the potential fallout. The American Lung Association condemned the decision as “unconscionable,” arguing that it represents a significant betrayal of the EPA’s mission to safeguard public health. The American Public Health Association highlighted the success of previous standards, which reportedly cut mercury emissions from the power sector by nearly 90 percent, resulting in millions of Americans breathing cleaner air.
Dangerous Consequences of Increased Emissions
Environmental organisations like the Sierra Club have expressed grave concerns that the repeal could triple the mercury emissions from the nation’s most polluting coal plants. Patrick Drupp, the Sierra Club’s Climate Policy Director, described the decision as “despicable and reckless,” emphasising that it puts individuals at heightened risk for severe health issues, including heart and lung diseases, developmental delays, and even cancer.
John Walke, a senior attorney with the National Resources Defense Council, reiterated that dismantling air quality protections would not restore the coal industry’s declining fortunes. Instead, he warned it would lead to an uptick in asthma attacks, cardiovascular problems, and premature deaths—particularly among vulnerable populations living near coal plants.
Coal power remains a significant source of air pollution in the United States, accounting for 42 per cent of total emissions. In 2014 alone, U.S. coal plants released approximately 45,676 pounds of mercury, a potent neurotoxin. Methylmercury, a form of mercury that poses severe risks, often enters the human body through the consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish, highlighting the interconnectedness of air quality and public health.
The Historical Context of Mercury Regulations
The EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxic Standards were first established in 2012, representing a significant advancement in efforts to control emissions from coal-fired power plants. These regulations were expected to prevent up to 11,000 premature deaths annually by reducing mercury pollution, alongside other harmful pollutants. The recent repeal marks a regression to a time when environmental safeguards were minimal, prompting fears of increased health risks for the population.
Research indicates mercury exposure can severely affect cognitive development, particularly in infants and children, leading to long-term impairments in thinking, memory, and motor skills. Blood mercury levels exceeding 100 nanograms per millilitre are associated with clear signs of poisoning, including coordination issues and sensory deficits. These health risks are magnified among pregnant women and children, making the rollback of protections even more alarming.
Why it Matters
The EPA’s decision to roll back mercury regulations is more than just a policy change; it represents a fundamental shift in how the U.S. prioritises public health versus industrial interests. As air pollution continues to be a leading cause of preventable deaths, the implications of this rollback are profound. By allowing increased emissions from coal plants, the government risks reversing hard-won gains in air quality and public health protections. The long-term consequences could be felt by millions, particularly the most vulnerable segments of the population, underscoring the urgent need for renewed commitment to environmental and health standards in the face of economic pressures.
