Final Rule Rolls Back 2024 Power Plant Carbon Standards
EPA projects the repeal will generate $310 billion in savings.
- By Danielle Naidu
- September 15, 2026
Fossil fuel-fired power plants will face fewer federal greenhouse gas requirements after the EPA finalized the repeal of most provisions in its 2024 Carbon Pollution Standards.
The final rule removes the majority of the standards adopted in the 2024 rule. EPA said those standards relied on control technologies that were not adequately demonstrated and exceeded the agency’s authority under the Clean Air Act.
EPA also proposed rescinding all remaining federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for the power sector. The agency estimates that the proposed repeal would save an additional $370 million in direct compliance costs if finalized.
The proposal is based on EPA’s position that Section 111 of the Clean Air Act does not authorize the agency to regulate power plant emissions based on their contribution to climate change. That interpretation also relies on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo.
EPA will hold a public hearing 15 days after the proposed action is published in the Federal Register. The public comment period will remain open for 45 days following publication.
