EPA Proposes Weakening Coal-Fired Power Plant Wastewater Pollution Standards

EPA proposes weakening coal-fired power plant wastewater pollution standards

The Trump administration has again moved to weaken its own environmental protection oversight of coal-fired plants, releasing a proposal to limit the reach of a rule that looms large in West Virginia. The United States Environmental Protection Agency on May 13, 2026 released a proposal to weaken its standards for wastewater pollution from steam electric power plants. The proposal would loosen what the EPA has long called effluent limitations gui…

EPA proposes revised steam electric wastewater discharge limits

The EPA has proposed revisions to wastewater discharge regulations for steam electric power plants, aiming to lower compliance costs by rescinding certain treatment requirements and allowing site-specific limits.

EPA to slash water treatment requirements for coal plants, citing growing electricity demand from AI data centers

EPA to slash water treatment requirements for coal plants, citing growing electricity demand from AI data centers Christine McLaren Mon, 05/18/2026 - 08:00 Primary Image Primary Image Caption The Big Bend Power Station, operated by Tampa Electric in Apollo Beach, Florida The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed revisions to wastewater requirements governing coal-fired power plants, rescinding treatment requirements associated with…