Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin. It can harm brain development, especially in babies and children. Coal- and oil-fired power plants can also release other hazardous pollutants, including lead, arsenic, nickel, acid gases, and fine particles.

EPA finalized a repeal of stronger 2024 updates to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The agency’s MATS page states that it finalized the repeal of certain 2024 amendments in February 2026. The Federal Register final rule confirms the repeal of amendments to national hazardous air pollutant standards for coal- and oil-fired electric utility units.

That rollback is now in court.

Mercury pollution can contaminate ecosystems and food webs.

Health Groups Say Communities Are At Risk

Reuters reported that health and environmental groups sued EPA over the rollback, arguing that it reduces protections from mercury and toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and nickel.

Earthjustice says the lawsuit challenges a rollback that allows more mercury, lead, and other toxic pollution from coal- and oil-fired power plants. The American Lung Association says EPA’s action will expose communities to more toxic pollution and increase risks tied to brain development impacts, asthma attacks, cancers, and premature deaths.

Environmental Defense Fund says Mercury and Air Toxics Standards have driven dangerous mercury pollution from power plants down by more than 90% since they took effect in 2015.

Mercury can harm children’s brain development.

EPA Must Restore Strong Standards

Communities near coal plants often already face multiple pollution burdens. Children, pregnant people, older adults, people with asthma, and families with limited health care access can face higher risks from toxic air pollution.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin should restore the 2024 MATS updates, reinstate stronger limits on mercury and hazardous metals, preserve monitoring requirements, and make emissions data public.

Power plants should not receive weaker rules when modern controls can reduce toxic pollution. EPA’s job is to protect people and the environment, not to make it easier for polluters to release hazardous air.

Sign the petition to urge EPA to restore strong Mercury and Air Toxics Standards and protect children and communities from toxic power plant pollution.