Trump is making coal plants even dirtier as AI demands more energy
Why it matters: This deregulation could exacerbate pollution from coal plants, undermining efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and posing risks to public health, especially as AI's energy footprint grows.
- The Trump administration is weakening pollution regulations, aiming to save the coal industry money while potentially increasing mercury emissions, a neurotoxin linked to developmental issues.
- AI data centers are contributing to increased electricity demand, leading utilities like the Tennessee Valley Authority to keep coal plants online longer than planned.
- The EPA finalized the repeal of strengthened Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) that the Biden administration strengthened in 2024, rolling back standards to 2012 levels and projecting $78 million in annual savings starting in 2028.
The Trump administration is rolling back pollution restrictions on power plants, specifically repealing the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), a move critics like Earthjustice's Nicholas Morales say prioritizes the coal industry over public health. This deregulation coincides with a surge in electricity demand driven by AI data centers, potentially extending the lifespan of aging, polluting coal plants despite the availability of cleaner energy alternatives.
