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Air pollution

Trump Administration Seeks to Repeal Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards on Power Sector

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Trump administration's EPA is proposing to repeal all greenhouse gas emission standards on the power sector, which would lead to significant increases in carbon emissions. According to estimates from the Sierra Club, Iowa utilities alone would be allowed to release 26 million tons of carbon emissions annually. The proposal argues that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired plants do not contribute significantly to dangerous air pollution, despite EPA data showing that 25% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 came from the power sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trump administration's EPA proposes to repeal all greenhouse gas emission standards on the power sector, citing regulatory cost savings of $19 billion over two decades.
  • The Sierra Club estimates that Iowa utilities would release 26 million tons of carbon emissions annually if the proposal is finalized.
  • The power sector is the largest stationary source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., and exposure to these air pollutants is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, respiratory diseases, pregnancy complications, and cancer.
  • EPA data shows that 25% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 came from the power sector, while the transportation sector accounted for 28%.
  • EPA estimated that the additional carbon pollution standards would have cut 617 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and other "harmful air pollutants that are known to endanger public health."
  • The proposal to repeal the carbon pollution standards was met with criticism from environmental groups, with the Sierra Club's director stating that the move would put the American people at risk by stripping away environmental safeguards.

Statistics:

  • 26 million tons: estimated annual carbon emissions from Iowa utilities if the proposal is finalized.
  • $19 billion: estimated regulatory cost savings over two decades, according to the EPA proposal.
  • 25%: share of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector in 2022, according to EPA data.
  • 617 million metric tons: estimated reduction in carbon dioxide and other pollutants from additional carbon pollution standards, according to EPA estimates.
  • 2022: year in which EPA data showed that 25% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions came from the power sector.

Sources:

  • (https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-06/6.11.25-fact-sheet-ghg-standards-proposed-repeal-final.pdf)
  • (https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2025-06/12674-01-oar_carbon-pollution-standards-repeal-nrpm_proposal_20250611_clean_v3_0.pdf)
  • (https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions)
  • (https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-05/111%20Power%20Plants%20Stakeholder%20Presentation2_4.pdf)
  • (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/07/05/2024-14407/new-source-performance-standards-incorporation-by-reference-correction)
  • (https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-1530_n758.pdf)
  • (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/reinvigorating-americas-beautiful-clean-coal-industry-and-amending-executive-order-14241/)
  • (https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/greenhouse-gas-standards-and-guidelines-fossil-fuel-fired-power)
  • (https://www.regulations.gov/search/docket?filter=EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0124)

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