STATEMENT: GASP Condemns EPA’s Repeal of Power Plant Pollution Standards

The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) strongly condemns the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) repeal of critical federal emissions standards for existing coal-fired and future gas-fired electric generating units (EGUs).

This is just the latest example of the Trump regime’s Polluters-First Agenda, which has eliminated limits on climate pollution from existing coal plants and future gas-fired power plants - no matter who gets hurt as a result. 

For those who need a little refresher, check out our explainer blog here.

The regime is also attempting to double down on the egregious, anti-science repeal of the Endangerment Finding by proposing to eliminate all federal regulation of power plant climate pollution. 

“As a result, millions of Americans will continue to grapple with emissions from these polluters and pay even more for energy and electricity, with the most vulnerable communities suffering most,’ GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “The EPA’s duty to the American people is to protect the environment, not rewrite air quality rules to benefit polluters.”

Our region has felt the heavy toll of coal and gas power plant pollution for generations. That’s why GASP has continuously tracked and fought against systemic delays and rollbacks surrounding major regional polluters—from coal plants like Conemaugh, Keystone, and the recently shuttered Homer City, to large natural gas-fired facilities like Tenaska Westmoreland. 

“Abdicating the EPA's duty to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and power plant pollution undoes decades of incremental progress achieved through the Clean Air Act,” Campbell said. “Repealing federal climate standards and stripping federal oversight gives facilities permission to prolong dirty operations, worsening local air quality and accelerating global climate chaos.”

Southwestern Pennsylvania residents already suffer from elevated rates of respiratory illness, heart disease, and pediatric asthma due to air pollution. 

The mission of the EPA under the Clean Air Act is clear: to protect human health and the environment. Surrendering federal authority over power plant emissions directly violates that core mandate. 

GASP will continue to advocate alongside local residents, scrutinize state implementation plans (SIPs) and Title V operating permits, and demand that federal and state regulators hold power plants accountable to public health, not corporate bottom lines.

Editor's Note: Here is the full EPA announcement for those who would like to take a deeper dive.