Trump Grants Two-Year MATS Exemption to 47 U.S. Coal Plants

U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a two-year exemption from the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) to 47 coal-fired power plants, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The move comes as part of a broader policy shift aimed at supporting the coal industry and relaxing environmental regulations.

EPA Publishes List of Exempted Coal Plants

The EPA released a detailed list identifying the 47 coal plants now temporarily exempt from MATS compliance. These plants will benefit from extended time to meet federal mercury emission controls.

Notably, many of the plants are major mercury emitters in Texas, including:

• Luminant’s Oak Grove near Waco

• Martin Lake in East Texas

• San Miguel south of San Antonio

• NRG Energy’s Limestone plant east of Waco

• Coleto Creek in Goliad County

• Parish coal plant in Fort Bend County

These facilities now have until 2026 to comply with mercury pollution control standards.

Controversy Over Public Health and Industry Support

This executive order reverses the strict mercury control policies introduced under the Biden administration, which remained active after a Supreme Court decision in October upheld them.

While Trump argues the exemption will safeguard jobs and extend the lifespan of aging coal plants, environmental groups strongly oppose the decision. Emma Pabst, Texas-based regional manager for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, stated that the administration is prioritizing corporate profits over public health.

She warned that Texans face increased health risks from mercury emissions, particularly from “mega polluters” like Martin Lake and Oak Grove. Critics also highlight that cost-effective technologies, such as baghouses and carbon filters, are available and could reduce emissions without delay.

Nonetheless, coal plant operators now have an additional two years to adopt these technologies. This move signals a renewed push to revitalize the coal sector, even as the global energy transition continues to favor cleaner fuels.

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