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EPA finalizes repeal of 2024 carbon pollution standards for coal and gas power plants

By LexCircuit Desk · · AI-drafted, human-reviewed

The Environmental Protection Agency published a final rule on September 17, 2026 repealing most of the 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants, effective November 16, 2026. The repeal removes emission guidelines for existing steam units and the carbon capture-based standards for modified coal units and new base load gas turbines. Administrator Lee Zeldin announced it in Houston on September 14, projecting $310 billion in savings; EPA also proposed rescinding all remaining power-sector greenhouse gas standards.

Enrolled text (Federal Register) → · EPA, CNN, NPR Illinois

Key points

  • The rule is published at 91 FR 58954 (Doc. 2026-19071), amends 40 CFR part 60, and takes effect November 16, 2026.Federal Register
  • It repeals emission guidelines for existing steam units and the CCS-based standards for modified coal units and new base load combustion turbines.Federal Register
  • Zeldin announced the repeal at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial in Houston, joined by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.EPA
  • EPA calls it the largest power-sector deregulatory action in U.S. history and projects $310 billion in savings.EPA
  • The repealed 2024 standards required coal and new gas plants to capture 90 percent of emissions; EPA had projected 1,200 fewer premature deaths in 2035.CNN
  • EPA concurrently proposed rescinding all remaining greenhouse gas standards for the power sector; the Sierra Club said it will fight the rule in court.EPACNNNPR Illinois

Sources4 articles across 4 outlets

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RegulationU.S.Partial Repeal of the Carbon Pollution Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating UnitsEnergyEnvironmentalRegulatoryFor governance