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The Trump administration has granted exemptions to dozens of coal-fired power plants from federal
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emissions rules. This will allow the facilities to delay compliance with regulations designed to
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reduce toxic air pollutants, including mercury and arsenic. According to a list published this
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week on the EPA's website, 47 power providers operating at least 66 coal-fired plants are
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getting temporary two-year exemptions. Several of the nation's largest utility companies, including Talon Energy, Dominion Energy, and NRG Energy are among the recipients
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These exemptions apply to rules introduced under the Biden administration, which were part of the Clean Air Act and aim to limit the amount of pollution coming from coal-fired power generation
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The EPA stated that the exemptions are intended to support the reliability of the U.S. electric grid
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maintain affordable electricity, and enhance national energy security. It also follows the agency's establishment of a dedicated email address for fossil fuel companies to request these exemptions
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and a recent executive order from President Trump aimed at revitalizing the coal industry
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However, environmental and public health groups have criticized the decision. They argue that allowing these plants to continue emitting harmful pollutants undermines protections for clean air
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while some have described the exemption process as favoring industrial polluters over environmental safety
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The Center for Biological Diversity announced today it has filed a lawsuit against several government agencies within the Trump administration
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calling for the release of more information about these plans to boost the nation's use of coal as well as other fossil fuels
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For Straight Arrow News, I'm Jack Elmer
